X-Ray
(X-Ra)
- The ionizing electromagnetic radiation emitted from a highly
evacuated tube, resulting from the excitation of the inner orbital
electrons by the bombardment of the target anode with a stream
of electrons from a heated cathode.
- Ionizing electromagnetic radiation
produced by the excitation of the inner orbital electrons of
an atom by other processes, such as nuclear delay and its sequelae.
- A
radiograph.
What is a Bone Density Scan (DEXA)?
Density - Thickness or mass.
Desnsitometry - A method for imaging
density.
Bone density scanning, also called DXA or DEXA or bone densitometry,
is an enhanced form of x-ray technology
that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today's established standard
for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips.
Common uses of DEXA:
Osteoporosis
(os-tE-O-pOr-O-sis)
A condition of reduced bone mass, with decreased outer thickness and a decrease
in the number and size of the spongy structures in the bone (but normal chemical
composition), resulting in increased fracture incidence. Osteoporosis is classified
as primary (Type 1, postmenopausal osteoporosis; Type 2, age-associated osteoporosis;
and idiopathic, which can affect juveniles, premenopausal women, and middle-aged
men) and secondary osteoporosis (which results from an identifiable cause of
bone mass loss).
Desnsitometry - A method for
imaging density.
DEXA bone densitometry is
most often used to diagnose osteoporosis,
a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found
in men.
DEXA is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis
and other conditions that cause bone loss.
The DEXA test can also assess an individual’s risk for developing fractures.
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