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DEXA bone density scan - T-score, fracture risk, done properly.

A 10–15 minute low-dose scan that measures bone density at the hip and spine - T-scores, Z-scores and a FRAX-based fracture risk. Reported by a consultant with clear treatment guidance.

A stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What a DEXA bone density scan costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across UK imaging units.

In short

£150–£300, report in 24–48 hours.

Procedure Indicative range
DEXA spine and hips £150–£250
DEXA including forearm £180–£300
DEXA with body composition £200–£350
DEXA + FRAX + consultant review £350–£550
Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) +£50–£120
Bone health consultation only £200–£400

Prices vary by whether VFA or body composition is added and whether a consultant review is bundled.

The problem

Osteoporosis is quietly under-diagnosed until the first fracture.

In UK women over 50, roughly 1 in 2 will have a fragility fracture in their lifetime. A DEXA scan, a FRAX calculation and a treatment decision stops the drift toward that fracture.

  • One scan, three numbers

    T-score (vs a young adult), Z-score (vs your age) and FRAX 10-year risk of major and hip fracture.

  • When to act, not just measure

    A T-score below −2.5, or a FRAX above threshold, triggers treatment. A grown-up service says so plainly.

  • Repeat only when it changes things

    Every 2–5 years, sooner on steroids or aromatase inhibitors. Not annual.

When it helps

When a DEXA is the right step.

Who benefits - and the flag that means an X-ray first.

  • Post-menopausal women

    Bone loss accelerates after menopause. Baseline DEXA is often justified.

  • Early or surgical menopause

    Menopause before 45 - or after BSO - raises fracture risk substantially.

  • Long-term steroid use

    Prednisolone 5 mg for 3+ months is a clear indication.

  • Previous fragility fracture

    A wrist, hip or spine fracture from a low-energy fall changes management.

  • Low BMI or restrictive eating

    BMI under 19 or a history of restrictive eating disorders.

  • Family history of osteoporosis

    Especially maternal hip fracture.

  • Aromatase inhibitors or ADT

    Cancer treatments that accelerate bone loss.

  • Red flag: back pain with height loss

    Progressive height loss or new back pain in an older person can mean vertebral fracture - X-ray or VFA first.

Procedure options

Formats within DEXA.

What each add-on gives you.

  • Standard DEXA (spine + hips)

    T-scores at L1–L4 and total hip and femoral neck.

  • DEXA with forearm

    Useful where hip anatomy is distorted (hip replacement, severe arthritis).

  • Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA)

    A lateral spine image added - picks up silent vertebral fractures.

  • DEXA with body composition

    Whole-body fat and lean-mass measurement - used in nutrition and sports medicine.

  • REMS ultrasound alternative

    A radiation-free ultrasound-based alternative available in select centres.

  • Paediatric DEXA

    Different reference ranges and z-score-only reporting for under-20s.

  • Baseline vs follow-up

    Baseline informs risk; follow-up at 2–5 years measures response to treatment.

  • DEXA + FRAX + review

    The most useful bundle - scan, calculation and a specialist walkthrough.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

The safety profile is well understood. What matters is choosing the right test, and reading the report honestly.

  • Very low radiation

    A DEXA is roughly 1/10th of a chest X-ray. Safe to repeat.

  • Not for pregnancy

    DEXA is avoided in pregnancy - always ask if there’s a chance.

  • Metal implants distort spine reads

    Hip replacements, spinal fusion - forearm or non-instrumented sites used instead.

  • Contrast studies wait 7–10 days

    Recent barium or iodinated contrast can distort measurements.

  • Body position matters

    A trained radiographer is essential for reproducible follow-up.

  • FRAX is a tool, not a rule

    FRAX 10-year risk is a guide - clinical judgement still matters.

  • Bone health is more than DEXA

    Vitamin D, calcium, exercise, alcohol and smoking all matter.

  • When to see A&E

    Sudden severe back pain in an older person, especially after a fall - A&E.

Reading your operation note

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever centre does the scan, the report keeps to the same shape.

A UK consultant reviewing operation notes

A quiet reminder

Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - ask for a plain-English explanation.

If anything in the operation note and any histology is unclear, ask your clinician to explain it in plain English.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication and technique

    Why the scan was done and which sites were measured.

  2. 02 Findings

    T-score and Z-score per site

    Lumbar spine (L1–L4), total hip, femoral neck, and forearm if scanned.

  3. 03 FRAX

    10-year fracture risk

    Major osteoporotic and hip fracture risk with age, sex and clinical factors input.

  4. 04 Impression

    Diagnostic category and plan

    Read this first - normal, osteopenia or osteoporosis, and any treatment recommendation.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

DEXA is often self-pay for baseline screening, and covered by UK PMI when there’s a specific clinical indication (previous fracture, steroids, cancer treatment).

Frequently asked

Common questions about dexa bone density scan.

Quick answers on approach, recovery, risks and cost.

  • What is a T-score?

    A T-score compares your bone density to a healthy young adult. −1 to −2.5 is osteopenia; below −2.5 is osteoporosis. Z-score compares to your age group and matters more in younger and premenopausal women.

  • Who should have a DEXA scan?

    Post-menopausal women, men over 50 with risk factors, long-term steroid users, anyone with a fragility fracture, low BMI, early menopause, family history of osteoporosis, or on aromatase inhibitors or ADT.

  • How much does a DEXA cost in the UK?

    £150–£250 for spine and hips, £200–£350 with body composition, £350–£550 for the DEXA plus FRAX plus consultant review bundle.

  • How often should I repeat a DEXA?

    Every 2–5 years for average risk, sooner on steroids or after aromatase inhibitors. Annual scans rarely add value in stable disease.

  • What treatment follows a positive scan?

    For osteoporosis, most people are offered an oral bisphosphonate first-line. Denosumab, zoledronate or newer bone-forming agents follow for intolerance or higher risk. Vitamin D, calcium and exercise support any drug.

  • Is DEXA safe?

    Very. The radiation dose is roughly 1/10th of a chest X-ray. It’s avoided in pregnancy.

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