Bone Density Scanning
At London Medical we offer a comprehensive consultant run Osteoporosis service. As part of this it is usually necessary to undergo bone density scanning. What is a bone densitometer?This is a sophisticated scanner which detects the amount of bone at a particular site, (known as bone mass) and, by implication therefore, bone strength. Which bones are scanned?Routinely the lumbar spine and one hip (that is the non-dominant side so that if you are right-handed it will be the left hip and vice versa). Occasionally the whole skeleton and other sites e.g. wrists are scanned for special reasons. In those over 60 years old a rapid scan of the spine is also carried out to check for deformities (fractures) of vertebrae (back bones) since most of these otherwise are undetected. |  |
Is the dose of radiation high?
No. One of the main advantages is that the radiation exposure is extremely small. The amount is a fraction of that used for a chest x-ray. The dose is slightly increased when the whole spine is examined but remains very low. Those operating the scanner do not need special protective aprons.
Do I need to go in a tube?
No. You are not enclosed at all so there is no problem for those with claustrophobia.
How is the scan performed?
You lie on a padded couch, legs bent at the knees and resting on a soft support for the spine scan; legs straight and slightly rotated inwards for the hip scan. A scanning arm passes over the site to be examined. For the whole spine you rest briefly on one side.
Do I need to undress?
Not for routine scans. Everyday loose fitting clothes are best. Metal zips and buckles should not be worn as they are "dense" and will interfere with the measurements. When the spine is examined in more detail it is better to undress down to the waist and a robe is provided to wear.
How long does the scan take?
Less than a minute for each site scanned, but we allow about twenty to thirty minutes for an appointment so that height, weight and background details can be recorded. This also ensures you can be positioned comfortably on the couch and it gives time for queries to be answered and general information about bone health to be provided.
What do the results show?
The "density" of the bone in an individual is compared with a normal range for other people of comparable age and with the amount theoretically present in a young (30-35yr old) person, known as ‘peak bone mass. This is important as bone is naturally lost with age. Risk of fracture (broken bones) can be predicted and, broadly, the scans show whether the bones are normal, borderline or of abnormally low strength, i.e. osteoporotic. The relationship between bone density and fracture risk is equivalent to that between blood pressure and stroke and better than that between cholesterol levels and heart disease.
When are the results available?
Although the results are printed out straight after the scan there will be a delay while they are put together with your personal information and this will all be looked at by the consultant who will then provide a detailed report, including any treatment or follow-up recommendations.
To whom are the results sent?
To the doctor who referred you for a scan and if this is not your general practitioner then a copy of the report will also be sent to him or her if appropriate or requested. If you referred yourself for a scan then you will receive a letter directly with a copy to be sent to your doctor as necessary. Arrangements will be made for the results to be discussed in person with a specialist in osteoporosis if further assessment, treatment and follow-up are indicated.
What if I would like more detailed information about osteoporosis and my scan results?
If you are worried about the results and would like to discuss them further an appointment can be arranged with our specialist in osteoporosis - Dr Thomas Palferman, Consultant Rheumatologist.
How often are the scans repeated?
This depends on why they were performed. Some scans do not need repeating. However, those that do are usually repeated after an interval of between eighteen months and two years. This is because bone turnover is a slow process and any improvement over a shorter period cannot be easily assessed. There are, as always, exceptions and occasionally scans every year can be helpful.
Is there any effective treatment for osteoporosis?
Most definitely - regardless of age. There is now a wide and increasing range of treatment, with some also used to prevent osteoporosis available. The earlier low bone density is detected the better and as with many things in medicine, prevention is the desired aim.
