ImageCare offers the most reliable bone density scan in Vernon, NJ, provided with care and attention to your specific needs. Our experienced radiologists perform a range of diagnostics for transparency with you as our valued patient. Choosing a trustworthy diagnostic imaging center is one of the most important decisions you can make for your bone density scan procedure. As the most cost-effective medical imaging center, ImageCare welcomes patients to get the treatment they need.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, is considered the most advanced and reliable method to measure bone density. DEXA scans may be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis or to assess a patient’s risk for developing fractures, especially in places that are prone to them, such as the hips and spine.
Bone density scans measure the mineral content of the bones in certain areas of the skeleton. The DEXA scan uses very low levels of x-rays to measure how dense your bones are. The DEXA machine will pass over the parts of your body, usually the wrists, hip, or spine, and use two different x-ray beams. These beams use very little radiation to help safely distinguish bone from other tissues. This bone density scan can tell your radiologist if you have or are at risk of having osteoporosis due to fragile bones. The scan can also detect other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and liver disease.
Additionally, the DEXA scan can measure your overall body composition. This includes deep body fat, or visceral fat, which may identify specific diseases. By investigating this visceral fat, the bone density scan images can further identify and diagnose diseases such as cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and type-2 diabetes.
Osteoporosis symptoms are almost unnoticeable in the early stages, however, as the disease develops, your bones become more brittle and can eventually lead to pain and fractures. Once a fracture occurs, the symptoms may include:
- Stooped posture
- Pain associated with fractures
- Repeated fractures
- Hip fractures taking extensive time to heal
When is a bone density scan procedure recommended?
- If you are over the age of 65 (risk of osteoporosis)
- If you have fragile bones
- A maintenance procedure for patients with osteoporosis
The DEXA bone scan is a brief procedure lasting around 15-20 minutes. To prepare for your appointment with ImageCare Vernon for a bone density scan, you will be asked to avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the exam. You will be asked to remove all jewelry and metals from your person to avoid any interference with the procedure. For any further questions regarding a bone density scan, please contact our office.
Call to book your appointment for a bone density scan with ImageCare Vernon, NJ, today.