Can an old spinal fracture confound a bone density test?

Hi Martha:  Excellent question.  Since there are things that can alter a dxa score, I would ask your densitometrist what they think about fractures.  The dxa tech may know the answer, but I think I would go to the Dr that interprets the scan since they should know the answer.  Some of the conditions that *may* affect a dxa score are: scoliosis, certain types of arthritis, calcium intake prior to the test, spinal hardware, and past spinal fusion.  If you had one or more of these things present when you had the scan it would make your bones look more dense-giving you a *better* score.  If you want to look up calcium and how it effects dxa's read the page at the ISCD line 4.  The mention of calcium is listed under "What should I expect at the time of testing."  The list also mentions other things that *could* alter the reading, that you may like to read.  Also many dxa's now include a VFA along with the dxa, and I've never heard that a frax could effect the dxa score, but that isn't a adequate answer for you.  Did they do a VFA as well (vertebral fracture assesment), or did you already know about the fracture?  VFA is mentioned in the second to last para from Dr. Gonter

Good Luck and check with your densitometrist to get a accurate answer.