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How does one get an accurate DEXA Scan?
How does one get an accurate(valid) Dexa Scan after having spinal fusion with metal fixation? Why bother doing the exam when the results reads, "This result is in valid because patient has metal fixation of the spine." I was under the impression that there was an alternate technique or study that could give a bone density result that would mean something. And, I thought my physician had ordered that special technique. ?? Anyone know more about the way to get a bone density assessment that means something, following spinal fusion surgery with fixation?
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I have metal in my lumbar spine and I don't recall the tech saying that there was that kind of result. They wouldn't even schedule them if that was the case. Mine was done at Mayo research FWIW.
amkie, usually they image the wrist or ankle, forearm of hip. Bone Scintigraphy, CT or MRI can assess union or nonunion of the implant. The hip measurement should be accurate.
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1 ReactionMine were done on alternative locations. I'm fused from L2-L5 and have a replaced hip, both knees, and one shoulder. Bionic? Maybe. They did elbows, all sorts of other locations. Didn't seem to be a problem.
@gently That is what I thought also.
@gently I just had a scan done and bc i had never had one and bc the procedure wasnt being explained, I was a little weirded out that they wanted to scan my forearm! (But after a little searching online I NOW know the answer/s to my questions!)
The person administering tests doesn't really have to explain procedures, nor answer patients' queries. Just my 2 cents!
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1 ReactionThe Rheumatologist and I discussed this prior to ordering. The intent was to clearly get an accurate Dexa scan despite the metal in from a spinal fusion, and by her gesture and words, it sounded like it was different then the standard DEXA. So, I was surprised when I read the report that it was invalid because metal fixtures in my spine. Now I am thinking that either the wrong test was ordered or wrong procedure was done. There was clearly some flub up I'm thinking. I have the original order for the study and will dig that out and start there to see what actually happened.
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1 Reaction@bajjerfan
Also have metal in my cervical spine, but no issues with full body dexa scans.