DEXA bone density scanning is the gold standard for assessing bone mineral density (BMD) throughout the body and identifying individuals at risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The scan provides highly accurate measurements of bone strength in clinically important areas including the lumbar spine, hips, forearm, pelvis, ribs, and total body skeleton. DEXA provides a comprehensive picture of skeletal health, allowing patients and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions to protect long-term bone strength and mobility.
beneficial DEXA scans are quick, painless, and use a very low dose of radiation, making them a safe and valuable part of preventative healthcare for people over the age of 50 who have risk factors for osteoporosis, and particularly for women over 65 and men over 70.
With age, bones naturally become less dense, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and potentially life-changing fractures. A DEXA scan is one of the most effective ways to assess bone strength in older adults, allowing early detection of osteopenia and osteoporosis before a fracture occurs. By measuring bone mineral density in key areas such as the hips and spine, DEXA scans can help to accurately evaluate fracture risk and determine whether lifestyle changes, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, exercise programmes, or prescription treatments may be beneficial.
Beyond bone health, advanced DEXA technology can provide valuable insights into cardiovascular risk through the assessment of Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC). Calcification within the abdominal aorta, the body’s largest artery, is a recognised marker of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. During a routine DEXA scan, specialised analysis can identify and quantify calcium deposits within the abdominal aorta, offering an additional layer of preventive health screening without requiring extra radiation or imaging procedures.
The lumbar spine is one of the most clinically significant regions evaluated during a DEXA examination. Spinal bone density measurements are particularly sensitive to early bone loss and are often among the first indicators of developing osteoporosis. DEXA scanning provides detailed analysis of individual vertebrae, allowing healthcare professionals to detect subtle changes in bone mineral density long before symptoms develop or fractures occur.
Hip fractures are among the most serious and life-altering consequences of osteoporosis, making hip bone density assessment a critical component of DEXA scanning. DEXA hip assessments are essential for establishing a baseline of bone health and monitoring changes over time. The scan evaluates key regions of the hip, including the femoral neck and total hip, providing highly reliable measurements used internationally to calculate fracture risk and guide treatment decisions. Hip density values are considered one of the strongest predictors of future fracture risk, particularly in older adults.
For professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals pursuing performance goals, DEXA scanning helps identify muscular imbalances, monitor changes in body composition, and optimise strength-to-weight ratios. DEXA provides highly detailed measurements of lean muscle mass, fat mass, bone density, and body symmetry across individual limbs and body regions. Athletes can gain precise insights into muscle development, training adaptations, and recovery progress, enabling more informed decisions regarding training, nutrition strategies, and injury prevention.
Early detection: Identify osteoporosis, osteopenia or low bone density before fractures happen.
What are the benefits of a DEXA scan: Understand your likelihood of fractures and act. If you’re at risk, proactive lifestyle changes and treatments can help strengthen bones.
Benefits of a DEXA Scan for Sports Performance:
Optimise muscle-to-fat ratio; Monitor training progress; Detect muscle imbalances. Reduce the risk of stress fractures by assessing bone strength.
Schedule your scan today or speak with one of our team to learn more!
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Fusion Healthcare Ltd. 71-73 Grange Ave, Luton LU4 9AS. With free parking available.
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