Signs that I may need a bone density scan
Detect osteoporosis, as we are living longer, we need to care for our bones and spines more carefully. The most common reasons to request a bone density scan are for the following:
Bone Density Scan
It's Better to Know
How to prepare and what to expect
Patients should not take calcium supplements for 24hrs before their bone density exam. If you have had an injection of barium or contrast dye for a CT scan or MRI you must wait 7 days before booking an appointment, avoid wearing clothes with metal zippers, belts or buttons.
Ensure you have your medical aid, ID and referral letter (if provided by your doctor).
Once the registration process has been completed, a patient will be taken into the bone density room for examination. The standard waiting period for the report can take up to 30 minutes after the examination has been done.
You will receive your results several minutes after the examination has been completed.
Book a consultation
Submit the form below or call us on 011 312 3942 / 78 or 061 485 3646
Dr. Manitha Bindapersad
Midrand Breast and Bone Density Clinic is led by Dr. Manitha Bindapersad. She is a specialist radiologist with a particular interest in breast imaging and women’s health. After graduating from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (MEDUNSA) in 1998 and completing her internship and community service; she chose to specialise and train as a radiologist at the University of Witwatersrand from 2001 to 2005.
Over the years, she has gained a wealth of experience working in the public sector as head of Chris Baragwanath Hospital’s Mammography Department for 15 years and 10 subsequent years in the private sector. Dr Bindapersad has extensive experience and expertise in the fields of digital mammography, bone care, performance of biopsies, women’s health and general radiology.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no question that we are living longer and fuller lives in today’s modern world. As a result, we need to take steps to ensure that our backs, hips and necks are able to keep up as we live longer. Consider a modern world where you are living into your 80s and your mind is as strong as ever. However, your body is threatened by weakening bones that cannot keep up with it. DEXA scans help ensure that our skeletal structure stays as strong and capable as our minds during the aging process.
Osteoporosis is metabolic bone disease that commonly affects postmenopausal women and elderly men. It is a silent and dangerous disease that causes a weakening of the bones and reduction in bone mass. Severe osteoporosis can have a debilitating effect on men or women, like causing hip fractures or limiting physical mobility overall.
Bone densitometry helps us identify weak or damaged bones before they become a greater risk to our health. 50% of women post menopause suffer from osteoporosis and almost 20% of men over the age of 60. Don’t wait for a debilitating fracture or needing a hip replacement, consider getting routine bone density scans and help ensure that your body’s bones keep up with its mind.
A bone density scan is commonly referred to as a DXA or DEXA scan. This is not the same as a general bone scan. A bone density scan is used to measure bone mineral calcium, it facilitates for adequate supplementation of calcium (vitamin D3), bone density is also done before any substantial hormonal treatment e.g. ivf. These tests provide a bone mineral density (BMD) measurement that indicates the fragility of particular bones and their risk to damage, such as fractures or osteoporosis.
Bone density scanning utilises two types of x-rays that differentiate between bone and soft tissue in your leg, arm or back. This provides a detailed and accurate measurement of the tested bone’s density and health. DEXA scans are the most effective, affordable and simple method for measuring BMD and providing insights into the health of your bones.
Midrand Breast and Bone Density Clinic ascribes to the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa guidelines for bone density testing and diagnosis.
Bone density benefits are i.e. ARV treatment bone assessment to check that bones are not thinning because some ARVS target calcium.
As we age, we become more susceptible to bone loss which increases the chances for osteoporosis and it’s crippling effects.
An annual or biennial bone density check can assist you with early detection of bone loss and enable you to work with your doctor and take the necessary steps to increase your bone strength and reduce your risk of fractures.
In addition to bone density measurements, is the growing use of the same technologies to identify Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC) and Advanced Body Composition Analysis for assessing obesity, cardiovascular and other metabolic disease.