Bone Mineral Density (BMD DEXA)

What is BMD?

A bone mineral density test, or simply bone density test, is the most common way of measuring the strength of your bones, with higher density indicating stronger bones. It uses X-RAY to diagnose bone density loss and osteoporosis.

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What is BMD DEXA?

Of these, a Dual Energy X-RAY Absorptiometry, commonly known as a DEXA scan, is the most widely recognised and recommended test to measure the bone mineral density in patients. A DEXA scan uses low levels of X-RAY and is quick and painless.

 

Unlike an MRI or CT Scan, the patient does not lie in a tube-like enclosure for the scan. Instead, the patient is asked to lie down and stay still on an open cushioned table as a scanning arm passes over their body. A DEXA scan measures bone density primarily of the hip and spine, which are most indicative of Osteoporosis and brittle bones, however specific areas like wrists and forearms, which are more likely to break, can also be scanned.

 

A typical DEXA scan takes around 10 to 20 minutes.

Why is it performed?

Detection of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

A BMD DEXA scan is the most widely recognised and recommended test to measure the bone mineral density in patients for diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.

 

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density and strength decreases, causing them to become porous and compressible. This results in weak and fragile bones which are at a higher risk of fractures, primarily in the hip, spine, and wrists.

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Osteopenia signifies a below-normal bone density. It is not a disease, but it means you are at a higher risk of fractures.

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Most common causes of Osteoporosis

While women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, the most common causes of Osteoporosis in both sexes include:

• Age (with older being at higher risk)

• Low estrogen levels in women after menopause

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Lack of exercise

• Low calcium diet

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Hyperthyroidism (high levels of Thyroid)

• Thin and small body frame

• Family history of Osteoporosis

• Personal history of fractures as an adult

• History of usage of steroids

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Unmatched Bone Densitometry at Hospito India

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Exceptional Precision and Pinpoint Accuracy

Hospito India provides the most advanced BMD DEXA scan in Patna. Using the Hologic Discovery DXA technology, we deliver exceptional precision and pinpoint accuracy for detecting Osteoporosis in at-risk patients.

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10-year Fracture Risk Assessment Report

We also provide fracture risk assessment through the FRAX tool which calculates a patient’s 10-year probability of hip and other osteoporosis-related fractures.

 

An automated e-report combines the patient’s information, BMD, IVA-HD, and FRAX data for reliable diagnosis by the treating physician.

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Vitamin D and Calcium Screening

Other diagnostic tests for Osteoporosis like Vitamin D and Calcium screening are also available at Hospito India through the Pathology wing to deliver accurate and timely reports.