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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