DEXA Scan for Fracture Risk Assessment — Epoch Medical Imaging
DEXA fracture risk assessment at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. FRAX scoring, spinal and hip fracture risk. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon.
How DEXA Predicts Fracture Risk Using FRAX Scores
A DEXA scan does more than measure bone density — it forms the foundation of a comprehensive fracture risk assessment. The most widely used tool for this is FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool), developed by the World Health Organisation, which combines your DEXA bone density result with a range of clinical risk factors to calculate your ten-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture.
FRAX takes into account:
– Your DEXA bone mineral density result (hip BMD)
– Age and sex
– Previous fracture history
– Family history of hip fracture
– Body mass index (BMI)
– Current smoking status
– Alcohol consumption
– Use of corticosteroid medications
– Secondary causes of osteoporosis (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
The output is a personalised percentage risk — your probability of a major fracture (spine, hip, wrist, or shoulder) over the next ten years. This number directly guides your GP’s decisions about whether treatment, lifestyle intervention, or monitoring is most appropriate for you.
Spinal & Hip Fracture Risk in Older Adults
The spine and hip are the two most clinically important sites for osteoporotic fracture — and both are assessed directly by DEXA scanning.
Spinal (vertebral) fractures:
– Often occur with minimal or no trauma — sometimes from activities as simple as lifting shopping or bending
– May cause significant back pain, loss of height, and postural changes over time
– Can occur without a patient realising — up to two-thirds of vertebral fractures are clinically silent
– DEXA of the lumbar spine identifies low bone density before a fracture occurs
Hip fractures:
– Associated with significant morbidity — recovery can be prolonged and quality of life may be affected
– Most commonly occur from a fall from standing height
– DEXA of the hip (femoral neck and total hip) provides the most clinically relevant fracture risk data
– A low hip BMD T-score is a strong predictor of future hip fracture risk
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, DEXA scans cover both the lumbar spine and hip — providing the complete picture your GP needs for fracture risk assessment.
Who Is at Highest Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures?
While osteoporosis can affect anyone, certain groups are at significantly higher risk and benefit most from early DEXA assessment and proactive bone health management.
Highest-risk groups include:
– Post-menopausal women — particularly in the first 5 to 10 years after menopause when bone loss accelerates
– Men aged 70 and over
– Patients on long-term corticosteroid medication (such as prednisolone)
– Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions
– Patients with previous low-impact (fragility) fractures — a previous fracture is one of the strongest predictors of future fracture
– Patients with coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions affecting calcium absorption
– Those with low body weight (BMI under 20)
– Patients on androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
If you fall into one of these groups, speak with your GP about a DEXA referral — proactive assessment is far more effective than waiting for a fracture to prompt investigation.
Treatment Decisions Based on DEXA & FRAX Results
DEXA and FRAX results work together to guide clinical decisions about the most appropriate management of your bone health — from lifestyle modifications through to medication.
How results influence management:
– Normal bone density + low FRAX risk: Focus on lifestyle — calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, and regular monitoring.
– Osteopenia + moderate FRAX risk: Lifestyle optimisation plus monitoring, with medication consideration depending on individual clinical factors.
– Osteoporosis or high FRAX risk: Treatment is typically recommended. Options include bisphosphonates (such as alendronate or zoledronic acid), denosumab, or other agents — discussed with your GP or endocrinologist.
– Very high fracture risk: Referral to a specialist and consideration of more intensive bone-building therapies.
Importantly, a DEXA result is not a cause for alarm — it is a tool for understanding and proactively managing your bone health. At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives, all DEXA studies are reported by specialist radiologists with clear, clinically useful results sent to your GP within 24 to 48 hours.
Bulk Billing
Available Here
All Referrals Accepted
We Handle Your
Insurance Claims
We Accept All Workers Compensation Cases
Get in Touch
Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM