Special to the Enquirer

Hartselle Health Park has added a DEXA Bone Density machine allowing providers to track bone, fat and muscle density over time. A bone density scan can be helpful in diagnosing degenerative diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis, as well as finding fractures, mineral deficiencies caused by age or certain diseases, and other bone problems.

Bone density scans use a type of x-ray called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to pass through the body and use a much lower radiation amount than standard x-rays. Detectors in the DEXA machine measure how much radiation passes through the bones, and this information is sent to a computer for a radiologist or other provider trained in DEXA interpretation to review and recommend appropriate treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women aged 65 and older or women who are 50 to 64 and have risk factors such as a broken hip. Physicians may also recommend a DEXA scan for other risk factors for osteoporosis such as intestinal disorders, multiple sclerosis or low body weight.

DEXA bone density scans are offered Monday through Friday at Hartselle Health Park Imaging Center. Other services at the Imaging Center include:

• MRI
• Ultrasound
• 3D Mammography
• CT
• X-ray

Anyone who feels they might benefit from a bone density scan should talk with their primary care physician. To learn more about imaging tests available at Hartselle Health Park, visit HartselleHealthPark.com