Who Needs One?

A person who fits one or more of the following categories should consider a DEXA examination.

• Osteopenia on routine x-rays
• Aid to decision making with respect to HRT treatment
• After organ transplant
• Corticosteroid use
• Primary hyperparathyroidism
• Premature menopause or prolonged periods of amenorrhoea
• History of minimally traumatic fractures
• Prolonged immobilisation
• Renal disease
• Liver disease
• Excess thyroid hormone production or administration
• Malabsorptive disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Loss of height
• Spinal deformities
• Low testosterone levels in males
• All women over the age of 65 years
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Smoker, low dietary calcium intake, increased alcohol intake