DXA
As part of Parkside Hospital’s wide range of diagnostic services we are proud to offer One-Stop Osteoporosis Screening Service which aims to provide an assessment of bone density and fracture risk in men and postmenopausal women through bone densitometry scanning to detect the early signs of osteoporosis.
What is a DXA scan?
The DXA scan is a gold standard method of assessing whether you are at risk of osteoporosis and is quick and painless.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to lose minerals and then weaken to a point where fractures can occur following minor injuries such as a fall. Fractures can be much more serious later in life especially if the fracture is of the leg or hip.
The One-Stop Osteoporosis Screening Service at Parkside Hospital aims to provide an assessment of bone density and fracture risk in men and postmenopausal women.
Am I at risk?
An assessment of risk factors is important for fracture predication. They include the following:
- Advanced age
- Previous fracture
- Long-term glucocorticoid therapy
- Low body weight (less than 58kg/127lb)
- Family history of hip fracture
- Cigarette smoking
- Excess alcoholic intake
Assessment for women
With our One-Stop Osteoporosis Screening Service you will be assessed with our DXA Bone Densitometry scanner if you are either:
- Over 65 years of age
- Postmenopausal and less than 65 years of age if one or more risk factors are present
We then calculate the age-dependent pharmalogical intervention threshold using National Osteoporosis Guidelines Group (NOGG).
Assessment for men
As part of the One-Stop Osteoporosis Screening Service an assessment will take place with the DXA Bone Densitometry scanner if you have:
- Clinical manifestations of low bone mass
- History of low trauma fractures
- Loss of more than 1.5 inches in height
- Risk factors for fracture
- Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
- Hypogonadism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Intestinal disorders
We then calculate the age-dependent pharmalogical intervention threshold using NOGG guidelines.
What happens next?
After your assessment you will have a consultation with a Consultant Rheumatologist, Professor John Axford or Dr Sangita Agarwal to review your reports. They will provide you with lifestyle advice and a further consultation will be arranged should you need pharmacological treatment.
How much does it cost?
DXA Bone Densitometry: £153
Consultation: £147
Total: £300
Qualifications
BSc MBBS MRCP MSc
Clinical Interests
Her specialist interests: osteoporosis/osteopenia, inflammatory back pain, and chest problems associated with rheumatic...
Qualifications
BSc MBBS MRCP MSc
Clinical Interests
Her specialist interests: osteoporosis/osteopenia, inflammatory back pain, and chest problems associated with rheumatic...
Qualifications
DSc MD FRCP FRCPCH
Clinical Interests
All aspects of musculoskeletal disease. Disorders from joint and back pain to autoimmune inflammatory diseases such...
Qualifications
DSc MD FRCP FRCPCH
Clinical Interests
All aspects of musculoskeletal disease. Disorders from joint and back pain to autoimmune inflammatory diseases such...
