What is the Origin of DEXA Scanning?

The technique evolved from single-photon absorptiometry in the 1970s, with the dual-energy method being developed and commercialized in the 1980s. The term DEXA is an acronym describing the core principle of using two distinct X-ray energy peaks. It has become the clinical gold standard for measuring bone density, a critical endpoint in assessing the skeletal effects of sex steroid and parathyroid hormone balance.

What is the Mechanism of DEXA Scanning?

The scanner passes two distinct X-ray beams, one high-energy and one low-energy, through the body tissue being examined. Different tissues, such as bone, fat, and lean mass, attenuate the two X-ray beams to varying degrees. The system's sophisticated software analyzes the ratio of absorption for each energy level at every point, allowing for the accurate calculation of bone density and the precise differentiation and quantification of soft tissue components.

DEXA Scanning

Meaning

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, a non-invasive, precise medical imaging technology used primarily to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition. This clinical tool provides detailed, quantifiable data on fat mass, lean muscle mass, and regional bone density. It serves as a vital diagnostic instrument for assessing osteoporosis risk, tracking the efficacy of hormonal and nutritional interventions, and monitoring changes in body composition related to aging or lifestyle modification.