Investigations for your particular question

Sometimes a question remains after the initial assessment that further imaging could help answer. The next step is then to arrange the appropriate method and subsequently interpret the result in the context of your treatment. We discuss which question it is intended to answer and what an existing finding means for further treatment.

If you have already had an investigation, please bring the written report and images if possible, for example via a QR code that gives access to the images or on a CD. This allows us first to establish what information is already available. A repeat investigation is not necessary simply because you change practices.

Specialist bone care often centres on individual fracture risk. A DXA bone density scan provides an important part of that assessment. However, the measurements alone do not describe the whole situation. Previous fractures, conditions, medicines and other risk factors are part of the medical assessment.

Depending on the question being investigated, laboratory tests can add to what we need to know about your bones and possible influencing factors. The ‘Osteoporosis assessment’, ‘DXA bone density scans’ and ‘Laboratory tests for bone health’ pages explain these steps separately. If you are looking for longer-term care, the focus page leads to the Centre for Osteoporosis and Osteology. When investigating muscle loss, BIA using the seca mBCA may be considered as an additional measure. It provides information on body composition. Together with strength measurements and functional testing, we consider whether your muscles, as well as your bones, need targeted support.

Where possible, bring relevant medical letters, previous reports and an up-to-date medication plan. If your plan includes a printed code, please bring the complete plan; the code helps us import the information. A medication list without a code is also helpful. For X-rays, MRI or CT scans, please also bring the images if possible, for example via a QR code giving access to them or on a CD. For a specialist bone assessment, previous DXA reports, details of fractures and an overview of your established diagnoses may be important.

You do not need to replace missing records with investigations you arrange yourself. If you are unsure what is needed for your appointment, please check with the practice. Gather your documents before the visit so you can bring everything necessary. Any special preparation depends on the planned procedure; the guidance on the relevant investigation page helps with these arrangements.

A result should help you understand the next step. Sometimes it confirms a suspected cause; sometimes it narrows down the possibilities. It may also show that further investigation is needed. We discuss findings in relation to your question and their possible implications for treatment.

Please ask if a term remains unclear or you cannot see what difference a result makes. For planning, it is important that you understand why a measure is recommended and which questions remain unanswered.