Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan: A neglected but essential investigation in men

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a condition which affects both men and women but occurs a decade later in men as compared to women. Males constitute a very small percentage of patients who report for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. This difference may be largely because of lack of information about risk factors for secondary osteoporosis in men. In the present study, we have tried to explore the attributes of males undergoing DEXA scan at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in males visiting the general physician outpatient department in a tertiary care institute. All study participants who were males, based on inclusion and exclusion were included in the study. DEXA scan for hip and vertebra was performed for all the participants. Results: A total of 486 males fitting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 66.98 (standard deviation: 8.55) years. Fifty-six (11.52%) of these participants had hypertension and 41 (8.43%) subjects had diabetes. Patient attributes and DEXA scan parameters of hip and vertebra showed a significant negative correlation with age and positive correlation with body mass index (BMI). Stratified analysis revealed that only 39% of individuals with a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2 had a high risk of osteoporosis (T ≤ −2) as compared to 58.4% of individuals with a BMI of <25 kg/m2. Conclusion: Osteoporosis among men remains a neglected aspect among physicians and surgeons. The DEXA scan is available in urban centers even in the developing countries; however, the lack of knowledge about indications seems to be the major factor for not evaluating the condition at the right time.