Whole-Body Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for Skeletal, Lumbar Spine, and Proximal Femur Musculoskeletal Assessment
This low-radiation dual X-ray beam imaging procedure quantifies bone mineral density across your entire skeleton, with targeted evaluation of your lumbar spine and proximal femur, to assess the structural health of your bones, the integrity of articular cartilage at your joints, and the strength of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles that anchor to your skeletal framework. Clinically, it is used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis, calculate fracture risk for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or a history of traumatic bone injury, and monitor changes in skeletal and surrounding musculoskeletal tissue density during treatment for metabolic bone diseases.
This 10-minute, low-radiation whole-body DXA scan measures bone mineral density across your full skeleton with focused assessment of your lumbar spine and proximal femur to evaluate bone strength, fracture risk, and the health of your surrounding joint, ligament, tendon, and muscle tissues.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- dexa
- Body part
- whole-body
- Ionizing radiation
- true
- Radiation dose
- 0.001
- Duration (min)
- 10
- Preparation
- no-prep
- Pregnancy safe
- false
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- none
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- LOINC
- 38269-7
- SNOMED
- 241046008
- Result turnaround
- 24-48h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- low
Understanding DEXA Scan of skeleton
Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry provides detailed visualization of skeleton. The procedure uses controlled radiation to create precise images with excellent anatomical detail.
Clinical Indications
This imaging detects fractures and dislocations, evaluates joint arthropathy, assesses soft tissue injuries, and identifies bone lesions.
What to Expect
The procedure typically takes 10 minutes. The examination is painless and non-invasive.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by board-certified radiologist.
- Report transmitted to referring physician.
What Is This Procedure?
This dexa scan evaluates whole-body, specifically skeleton. Uses controlled radiation to create detailed images.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of skeleton and lumbar spine and proximal femur. Part of the musculoskeletal system.
Common Uses
This exam is commonly used to detect fractures, evaluate joint problems, assess soft tissue injuries, and diagnose arthritis.
What to Expect
The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Severe pain at procedure site
urgentWorsening severe pain with fever or other symptoms. Go to urgent care or ER.
Mild symptoms after procedure
promptMild discomfort or symptoms that don't improve. Contact your doctor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy