Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease — there are usually no symptoms until a bone breaks. A DEXA scan is how we catch it before that happens.
What the scan measures
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. It's a low-dose scan — far lower than a standard X-ray — that measures bone mineral density, usually at the hip and spine. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes, and you stay fully clothed.
Who should get one
Guidelines generally recommend screening for women 65 and older, and for men 70 and older. Younger patients with risk factors — a family history of osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, early menopause, or a previous fracture from a minor fall — may be screened earlier.
Reading the results
Results come back as a "T-score," which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. A T-score of -1.0 or above is considered normal. Between -1.0 and -2.5 is classified as low bone mass (osteopenia). -2.5 or below is classified as osteoporosis. None of these numbers are a diagnosis on their own — they're one input alongside your history and risk factors.
What happens next
If your bone density is lower than expected, the next steps are usually straightforward: calcium and vitamin D review, weight-bearing exercise, and in some cases medication to slow bone loss. Catching it early is what makes those options effective — which is the whole point of screening before a fracture forces the issue.
Our DEXA scanner is on site, so results don't require a separate imaging appointment. If it's been a while since your last screening, ask about it at your next visit.