Bone Density Screening

DEXA Bone Density Scan

Osteoporosis Screening and Bone Health Assessment at 117a Harley Street

A DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures the mineral density of your bones. It is the gold standard investigation for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk, and is significantly more sensitive than standard X-rays at detecting early bone loss.

The scan is quick, painless, and uses very low radiation. Results are available within a few days and will be reviewed with you by one of our doctors.

Why Bone Density Matters

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. It develops gradually over years, often without symptoms, until a fracture occurs. Hip fractures, spinal compression fractures, and wrist fractures are common consequences, and they can have serious implications for mobility, independence, and quality of life.

By the time bone loss is visible on a standard X-ray, it is usually advanced. DEXA scanning detects reduced bone density much earlier, when intervention can still make a meaningful difference.

Who Should Consider a DEXA Scan?

We recommend bone density screening for patients with risk factors for osteoporosis. These include:

• •Age and sex: Women aged 65 and over, and men aged 70 and over, should consider routine screening even without other risk factors.
• •Menopause: Oestrogen plays a protective role in bone health. Women approaching or going through menopause, particularly those with early menopause (before age 45), are at increased risk of bone loss.
• •Previous fractures: A fragility fracture, one that occurs from minimal trauma such as a fall from standing height, suggests underlying bone weakness and warrants investigation.
• •Family history: A parent with osteoporosis or a history of hip fracture increases your own risk.
• •Medications: Long-term corticosteroid use (for conditions such as asthma, arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease) is associated with bone loss. Other medications, including some cancer treatments and anticonvulsants, can also affect bone density.
• •Medical conditions: Certain conditions increase osteoporosis risk, including rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, hyperthyroidism, and chronic kidney disease.
• •Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excess alcohol intake, low body weight, and prolonged immobility all contribute to bone loss.

If you are unsure whether screening is appropriate for you, our doctors can advise during a consultation.

What Happens During the Scan?

You will lie on a padded table, fully clothed, while a scanning arm passes over your hip and lower spine. The process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly and remain still to ensure clear images.

Before your appointment, you will be asked to avoid calcium supplements for 24 to 48 hours and to wear clothing without metal fastenings. Remove any jewellery around the areas being scanned.

The scan uses a very low dose of radiation, significantly less than a standard chest X-ray.

Understanding Your Results

Your results are reported as T-scores and Z-scores.

T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. This is the primary measure used for diagnosis.

Each standard deviation below normal approximately doubles your fracture risk.

Z-score compares your bone density to others of your age, sex, and body size. A significantly low Z-score may prompt investigation into underlying causes of bone loss.

Your doctor will explain your results and discuss whether any further investigation or treatment is indicated. This may include blood tests to assess calcium, vitamin D, kidney function, or thyroid hormones.

Body Composition and Clinical Monitoring

DEXA technology can also measure body composition, distinguishing between fat mass, lean muscle mass, and bone. This has clinical applications beyond osteoporosis screening.

For patients undergoing medically supervised weight loss, such as those on our Mounjaro programme, body composition scanning can help ensure that weight loss is coming from fat rather than muscle. Preserving lean mass during weight loss is important for metabolic health, physical function, and long-term weight maintenance.

In older patients, DEXA can help identify sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that increases the risk of falls, frailty, and loss of independence.

Body composition analysis is available where there is a clinical indication. Your doctor will advise whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.

DEXA Scanning and Related Services

Bone health does not exist in isolation. We offer a range of services that complement DEXA screening:

• •Menopause and Midlife Assessment: Hormonal changes during menopause accelerate bone loss. Our menopause service includes assessment of bone health risk factors and can coordinate DEXA referral where indicated.
• •Health Screening: Our comprehensive health screens can identify risk factors for osteoporosis, including vitamin D deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and kidney impairment.
• •Mounjaro Weight Loss Service: For patients on GLP-1 medication, DEXA scanning can monitor body composition throughout treatment.