Questions

What is a DEXA scan with VFA?

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What is a DEXA scan with VFA?

OVERVIEW. Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) with densitometry (bone density study) is a technique in which vertebral fractures are assessed at the same time as bone mineral density (BMD), by use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

What is a serious osteoporosis score?

A T-score between −1 and −2.5 indicates that you have low bone mass, although not low enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. A T-score of −2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis.

What is a normal score for osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis — People with osteoporosis have a T-score of -2.5 or less. Larger numbers (eg, -3.0) indicate lower bone density because this is a negative number. The lower the bone density, the greater the risk of fracture.

Does a DEXA scan require contrast?

DEXA studies cannot be performed if the patient has had a nuclear medicine study within 1 week or an X-ray procedure using contrast within 72 hours. Therefore, DEXA studies should be scheduled before other X-ray or nuclear medicine procedures.

What do DEXA scan numbers mean?

DXA Scan Results The lower your score, the weaker your bones are: T-score of -1.0 or above = normal bone density. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 = low bone density, or osteopenia. T-score of -2.5 or lower = osteoporosis.

What are the three stages of osteoporosis?

The stages of Osteoporosis

  • Osteoblasts vs Osteoclasts. Active Osteoblasts.
  • Peak bone density and the first stages of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
  • The second stage of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
  • The third stage of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
  • The fourth stage of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

How do I read my bone scan results?

Understanding DXA Results

  1. A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9.
  2. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone mass or osteopenia. Examples are T-scores of -1.1, -1.6 and -2.4.
  3. A T-score of -2.5 or below is a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Can a DEXA scan show a tumor?

While a DEXA scan isn’t typically used to diagnose cancer, it can provide your care team with important information to help them determine whether additional testing is needed. Using low levels of X-rays, the DEXA scan examines the entire skeleton or specific points on the body, such as the spine or hip.

How do you interpret DEXA scan results?

The lower the T-score, the lower the bone density:

  1. A score of –1.0 to +1.0 means you have normal bone density.
  2. A score between –1.0 to –2.5 means you have low bone density (osteopenia).
  3. A score of –2.5 or below means you have osteoporosis.

How long does a DEXA scan take?

An X-ray detector inside the scanning arm measures the amount of X-rays that have passed through your body. This information will be used to produce an image of the scanned area. The scan usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You’ll be able to go home after you have had it done.

How long does it take to get the results of a DEXA scan?

You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks. Waiting for test results can be a worrying time.