The FIT Scan

Bone Density
Low bone density is the greatest risk
factor for spine and hip fractures. Each
year there are approximately 700,000
spine fractures and 250,000 hip
fractures in the United States. More
than 90% of these occur in people with
bone density measurement in the
osteoporotic range.

Why Measure Bone Density?
Until recently, osteoporosis could not be
easily diagnosed until a fracture
occured. Today new technology allows
doctors to quickly identify patients at
risk of bone fractures before one occurs,
allowing them to begin treatment
programs that help prevent fractures
from occuring in the first place.

What is DEXA?
DXA stands for dual x-ray
absorptiometry. A DXA scan involves a
low dose of radiation (about 1/30 of the
radiation in a regular chest X-ray, less
radiation exposure than an average
airplane flight, and less radiation than
two hours of direct sunlight exposure)
that rapidly scans your bones to
determine bone density within seconds.

Only doctors, clinicians and technicians
who have been trained by the
International Society for Clinical
Densitometry (ISCD) are certified to
read DXA scans.

Who should have a DEXA?
All women age 65 and older. All men
aged 70 and older. Anyone who has
broken or fractured a bone before.
Anyone with a disease or medication
associated with osteoporosis. Anyone
considering treatment for osteoporosis.
Women who have been on Hormone
Replacement Therapy and those who
haven't. Anyone being treated for
osteoporosis, to monitor the effects of
therapy.