A bone density test does not showarthritis.
Only 4.2% of males have osteoporosis.
Decreased bone density and strength can lead to weakened bones that easily break.
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Does a Bone Density Test Show Arthritis?
A bone density test does not show arthritis.Arthritisis an inflammatory condition that affects the joints.
The signs of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and warmth.
Most people with decreased bone density do not have symptoms unless they have broken a bone.
Diagnosing arthritis can be difficult because there are many variations of the disease.
Risks and Contraindications
A bone density test (such as a DEXA scan) is relatively safe.
However, you will be exposed to low-dose radiation during the test.
You’ll want to allow an additional 30 minutes to complete some paperwork before the test.
Location
The central DEXA scan is the most common bone density test rig.
The machine is found in hospitals, medical clinics, and outpatient imaging centers.
The central DEXA is located in a room with a large table.
A scanning equipment (detector) hangs over the table and an X-ray generator is below the table.
What to Wear
You might be asked to put on a gown for the test.
Avoid wearing metal zippers, belts, or jewelry.
Food and Drink
you might eat normally on the day of your bone density test.
Do not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the test (including Tums for indigestion).
You may go back to your regular diet immediately after the test.
Medicare and most commercial insurance companies cover the cost of the test if you meet certain criteria.
The estimated national average cost of a bone density test is $125.
What to Bring
You must bring proof of identification and your health insurance card to the appointment.
At this time, you might be asked to change into a gown.
Your legs will rest, straight or bent, on a padded box.
The detector above will pass over your body, and the X-ray generator will go under you.
The two images will be combined and sent to a computer.
You will need to lay very still.
You might be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to ensure a clear image.
The test takes between 10-30 minutes, depending on the gear used and the body area being scanned.
After the Test
Side effects of a bone density test are rare.
You may go back to your normal activities immediately.
Interpreting Results
A specially trained doctor called aradiologistwill interpret the bone density test.
The results will be available to your healthcare provider a few business days after the scan has been completed.
The results of your bone density test will have two scores: a T-score and a Z-score.
The T-score is the most important of the two values.
If you have a moderate risk, you might need repeat testing every 35 years.
If you’re at low risk, you might only need to be tested every 10-15 years.
Whenever you have your next scan, venture to have it at the same place you had your first.
This will help ensure it is accurate.
This information helps your provider determine if you are at is at risk for fractures.
It is a painless procedure that takes place at a hospital, medical clinic, or outpatient imaging center.
The test takes 10 to 30 minutes, and the results are available after a few business days.
In the results, you get a T-score based on how your bones compare to healthy bones.
These results determine when you will need another bone density test.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Osteoporosis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Osteoporosis Overview.
Llorente I, Garcia-Castaneda N, Valero C, et al.Osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis: dangerous liaisons.Front Med.
2020;0. doi:10.3389/fmed.2020.601618
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Arthritis.
National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus.Bone Density Scan.
