Bone Scan

• DXA scan can easily diagnose osteoporosis and is recommended for all women at 65 years and all men at 70 years.
• Patients with risk factors for osteoporosis ( see below) often warrant DXA scan much earlier.

• The DXA  Scan is carried out by our practice nurse and takes 30 minutes.
• The patient is required to lie on their back for the first part and on their left side for the remainder of the scan.
• We do our utmost to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout.
• Loose clothing is advised as thickened bands, undergarments, wiring may affect readings.
• Minimal radiation is involved.
• Your  full lateral spine , lumbar spine and both hips are scanned.
• The scan results are reported within  48 hours by our experienced doctors.
• A report is sent to your doctor.
• Patients may request a copy of the report which may be emailed directly.

• Literally meaning ‘porous bones’, is a chronic, progressive disease in which bones become fragile and are more likely to break.
• Osteoporosis usually affects the whole skeleton but it most commonly causes breaks (fractures) to the bone in the wrist, spine and hip.
• If left undiagnosed and untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a fracture occurs due to a simple strain, a bump or a fall.
• Fractures can not only lead to chronic ill health for the remainder of one’s life but also increase mortality.
• Modern medication can reverse and cure osteoporosis.
• Osteoporosis is a silent illness that can easily be diagnosed by a Bone Scan.

Osteoporosis occurs gradually as we get older.

However, it may occur at a much younger age and can be associated with the following:

• Amenorrhoea – absent periods (annorexia/low body weight)
• Chronic illness – e.g.Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Respiratory Illness, Coeliac Disease.
• Medication – Thyroid treatment or Steroids (Cortisone)
• Early Menopause
• Family History of Osteoporosis
• Smoking

DXA Bone Scan €100.

You can book an appointment by contacting our team at: 091 553135 or info@spiddalgp.ie.

Complete the DXA Questionnaire.