DXA Bone Scan — Patient Who May Benefit from a DXA Scan — Clinical Pathway: Inpatient, Outpatient Specialty Care and Primary Care

Bone Density Scan (DXA) Clinical Pathway — Outpatient Specialty Care and Primary Care

Children Who May Benefit from a DXA Scan

This pathway guides identifying children who may benefit from bone density measurement via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning.

Typically, DXA scans can be most beneficial for children when there is a concern for bone disease and/or increased occurrence of fractures. The clinician needs to identify children who may be at risk for low bone density based on the clinical picture, including:

  • Age of onset
  • Severity of disease
  • Malnutrition secondary to chronic immobilization or eating disorder
  • Chronic immobilization
  • Family history of bone fragility
  • Chronic exposure to bone-toxic drugs

Note

Before ordering a DXA scan, consider how results will change care management.

Exclusions

  • Age < 1 yrs
  • Weight > 600 lbs
  • Inability to lie still for the duration of the scan
  • Severe spasticity and/or inability to position child for a site-specific scan