X-ray
X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film or digital media. Standard X-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-ray technology is used in many types of diagnostic procedures, such as arteriograms, computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopy.
During an X-ray, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of X-ray beams to pass through:
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Soft tissues in the body (such as blood, skin, fat and muscle) allow most of the X-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film or digital media.
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A bone or a tumor, which is denser than soft tissue, allows only a few of the X-rays to pass through and appears white on the X-ray. At a break in a bone, the X-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as a dark line in the white bone.
DEXA (a separate X-ray unit for ages 21 and up)
Osteoporosis means, literally, "porous bones," and is a debilitating disease that can lead to bone fracture. More than 54 million Americans have low bone density and are at risk for osteoporosis or already have osteoporosis – 80% of the people with the condition are women. A DEXA scan (which stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is an advanced test available for measuring bone density. If a loss of bone mass is discovered, especially early, patients can receive treatment to prevent breakage and further loss. Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is proud to offer this exam, and echoes the National Osteoporosis Foundation's recommendation that women 65 years of age or older should get a DEXA scan every two years to diagnose bone density loss and prevent osteoporosis.
Bone densitometry (or DEXA) uses special X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a bone segment. The higher your mineral content, the denser your bones; and the denser your bones, the stronger they are and the less likely they are to break. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 18 million more are unaware that they have low bone mass and are at risk. This simple 10-minute procedure compares your bone density to that of the average bone density of a 30-year-old healthy woman (known as the T-Score), and also to an average person of your same age and sex (the Z-Score). If you are over the age of 50 with a family history of osteoporosis or symptoms such as unusual fractures, you should consult with a physician to determine if you need a DEXA scan. You simply lie fully clothed on a table while the DEXA scan machine passes over you, sending a beam of low-dose X-rays through your body. The total amount of radiation is just one-tenth the level emitted in a typical chest X-ray.
To schedule an appointment, please call Mat-Su Regional Medical Center at (907) 861-6677.