DEXA Scan Basics

 

DEXA Scan Basics


DEXA is essentially a 2-dimensional measurement of how much mineral is projected through an area of bone. It doesn't directly measure things such as:

  • the quality of the collagen in your bone
  • the microscopic architecture of the trabecular bone
  • cortical thickness and geometry
  • how well your bones adapt to exercise
  • turnover rate: fresh tissue replacement
  • all of the factors that determine how a bone handles a particular force

T-Score: Compares your bone density to the peak bone mass of a healthy young adult (~age 30). This is the main score used to diagnose osteoporosis and guide treatment.


Z-Score: Compares your bone density to people of your same age, sex, and ethnicity. Often omitted on standard reports unless doctors suspect secondary causes for bone loss.


Strengthening Bones with Osteoporosis

• Bones are living tissue that constantly rebuild.

• Strength and resilience can improve through targeted weight-bearing/resistance exercises, proper nutrition, and medical treatments.

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