Accuracy of DEXA Scans

Posted by njhornung @normahorn, Mar 9, 2024

I am guessing that I am not the only one facing a medication decision based on one DEXA scan with no fractures. That raises the question as to how much reliance we should put on that single measurement. I trust that sites calibrate the instruments according to the manufacturer's specifications. But we read about the importance of proper positioning. I was only asked to lie on a table with no special consideration of position. Does improper position make bones appear denser or less dense? Or is the effect minimal?

Remember the old weight charts that had ideal weight ranges by height and bone structure? Does DEXA factor in bone structure when calculating density. Obviously, there is less bone for the x-rays to penetrate for a fine-boned person than for a heavy-boned one. That could be interpreted has having less bone mineral density which may not be the case.

Any insight or other pertinent questions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

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@rjd And you can't rely on the subject/title lines. You start reading a thread that goes off the rails with people introducing new topics that have nothing to do with the original post you were interested in and wanted to follow. I wish the admins/moderators would take such posts and put them into an appropriately titled new post.

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@cat1203 Your suggestion is great. I add my vote to a more active organizational role of new postings by the admins/moderators if that is at all possible. It would increase immensely the value of this forum.

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