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Older vs newer DEXA systems
I fractured a vertebrae 6 months ago. It was a very traumatic fall. I’ve moved and my new primary strongly recommended I start meds, based on an earlier DEXA (18 months ago.)Results indicated poor BMD.
I went to an endocrinologist for a second opinion. I asked for a new DEXA and blood bone marker tests to ensure beginning meds was really necessary.
First DEXA was done on a Hologic QDR 4500 Discovery system.
Current DEXA was done on the Hologic Horizon W system.
The newer scores were a jaw dropping improvement. A FRAX score wasn’t even calculated as BMD too high.
Is my glee misplaced? Anyone with a similar experience?
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Hi @lillimere
I had a similar situation with two different machines. Although I don’t know what specific models were used for my DEXA’s, after about 9-1/2 months of Tymlos, and half-way through Evenity, my scores improved from, as I recall, -2.5 L (OP) to -1.0 L (osteopenia); the femur results were not as dramatic, but still showed improvement. I don’t know if it was the meds or the machine, but I choose to use this new scan as my baseline. My rheumatologist agrees. Also, I seem to remember my doc telling me that after a vertebral fracture and subsequent healing, the scans will be better.
I took a pretty hard fall onto my left hip, side, and arm last October and x-rays revealed only one broken bone: My left fifth metacarpal! I should add that I’ve had four vertebral fractures . . .
Like you, I want that euphoric “glee” but because the gains were so dramatic, I remain cautiously optimistic I’ll have a DEXA in January, 2026, which will hopefully continue to tell good news.
Happy Sunday, happy spring! Cheers!
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2 ReactionsHow would one know and do doctors recognize the differences in machines? Should we ask? My last scan was few points improved over a scan seven years ago. My Dr just replied could be different machines and that was it.
Thank you for the knowledgeable information.