Good evening everyone. I have the results of my scan ….. hip -2.9 …….spine -1.9.
I was told that the spine result may not be accurate but I was not told why. Any ideas?
Hi The results also depends on the DEXA machines due to calibration issues. My understanding is that DEXA machines have to be calibrated and so always best to have the scan on the same machine but not possible in NHS ??
Thanks for your reply. This was my first DEXA scan since breaking my hip in September. I never knew I had osteoporosis until the results of the scan. Up until then I hadn’t experienced a broken bone.
Unfortunately for most people it takes a broken bone to get a dexa. Although I do have a friend with coeliac disease who was monitored and found to have osteoporosis, three sisters monitored 2 for rheumatoid arthritis (one confirmed) and the third for cancer treatment ( ok but routine annual protective infusions now).
Such a shame not routine screening with so many people impacted. Although would be good if they got the screening right for those who should have it. I tell so many people to ask for a dexa if they are over 50 and have had a fragility fracture. 4th sister had to ask for one after her fracture, but at least the GP did it, found to have osteopaenia. . Yes im one of 5 girls. Mother had osteoporosis.
Hi Woofie
We just need to be our own advocate. And reading about osteopenia and osteoporosis (ROS website) will show the GP that their patient know what they are talking about.
Take care
The score you’ve been given is the average of 4 vertebral scores. Do you have the individual spine scores for each vertebra, L1, L2, L3 and L4? They should be very similar to each other and if there’s a difference of more than 1 standard deviation (eg -1.9 and -3.0) between adjacent vertebrae, then one of them needs to be excluded. It isn’t always clear which one to exclude, in which case that could be one reason for not trusting the spine result. Other reasons can include poor alignment (eg due to scoliosis or poor technique by the technician), arthritis, metal from clothing. On the other hand, because you’ve had a hip fracture and your hip is showing osteoporosis, they may simply be assuming that your spine score should be similar and therefore could be wrong! If you can get hold of your full scan report (including images), available from the facility that did the scan if your GP doesn’t have it, it may be explained what the issue is.