DEXA Scan: What Your Bone Density Score Means

A DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is a quick, painless test that measures your bone density. It is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. If you have had a DEXA scan at Advanced Medical Imaging, here is how to understand your results.

What Does a DEXA Scan Measure?

DEXA uses two low-energy X-ray beams to measure the mineral content of your bones, usually at the hip and lower spine. The result is your bone mineral density (BMD) — a number that tells you how strong your bones are compared to a healthy standard.

The radiation dose from a DEXA scan is extremely low — about one-tenth of a standard chest X-ray, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Understanding Your T-Score

Your T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old adult of the same sex, which represents peak bone mass. This is the most important number on your DEXA report.

What Each Range Means

• Normal (T-score ≥ -1.0): Your bones are in good shape. Continue healthy habits — weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium, and vitamin D.
• Osteopenia (T-score -1.1 to -2.4): Your bones are thinner than normal but not yet osteoporotic. This is a warning sign. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medication can prevent further loss.
• Osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5): Your bones have lost significant density, increasing fracture risk. Your doctor will likely recommend treatment.

Understanding Your Z-Score

Your Z-score compares your bone density to others of your same age, sex, and body size. It is most useful for:

• Premenopausal women
• Men under 50
• Children and adolescents

A Z-score of -2.0 or lower is considered below the expected range and may prompt your doctor to look for underlying causes of bone loss, such as vitamin D deficiency, thyroid problems, or medication side effects.

Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends DEXA screening for:

• Women age 65 and older
• Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors
• Men age 70 and older
• Anyone with a fragility fracture (a break from a minor fall or impact)
• People on medications that affect bone density (steroids, certain cancer treatments)
• Anyone with conditions linked to bone loss (rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism)

What Happens After Your DEXA Results?

Based on your scores, your doctor may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes: Weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging, dancing), adequate calcium (1,000–1,200 mg/day), and vitamin D (600–800 IU/day)
• Fall prevention: Balance exercises, home safety adjustments, and vision checks
• Medication: Bisphosphonates or other drugs to slow bone loss or build new bone
• Follow-up DEXA: Repeat scans every 1–2 years to track changes
• FRAX score calculation: A tool that estimates your 10-year fracture risk using your DEXA results plus other risk factors

Tips for Accurate Results

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal buttons or zippers
• Do not take calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test
• Tell your technologist if you have had a barium study or contrast injection recently
• Try to use the same DEXA machine for follow-up scans — different machines may give slightly different readings

Schedule Your DEXA Scan

A DEXA scan at AMI takes about 10 to 15 minutes and is completely painless. It is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans for eligible patients.

Call (727) 398-5999 or schedule online at our Seminole, FL location.