What should you know about a hip DEXA scan?

The hip is a weight-bearing area, and its bone measurement can help identify reduced bone density. The report may compare your result with reference groups and provide a clinical category, but the meaning depends on the reporting method and your circumstances. A low result is not the same as a fracture, while a result that is not low does not explain all hip symptoms. Your clinician combines the report with your history.

Tell the imaging team about pregnancy, recent contrast imaging, metal near the hip, or difficulty lying on your back. Follow instructions about calcium supplements and clothing. You will need to keep the hip positioned and stay still for clear images. Bring a list of medicines and mention steroid treatment, thyroid disorders, early menopause or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, because these details can affect bone-health planning.

Seek urgent assessment after a fall or minor injury if you cannot bear weight, have severe hip pain, or notice a shortened or turned-out leg. Arrange a routine review for ongoing hip pain, repeated falls, loss of height or a new fracture. A DEXA result supports prevention and treatment decisions but cannot replace examination of sudden pain.

Ask why the hip is being measured, whether another site will be scanned, what your result means for fracture prevention, and when follow-up is useful. Ask which exercises, nutrition changes or medicines are suitable for your specific risks.