DEXA, radiologist’s summary, indicates “degenerative sclerotic changes” to L3–do I need to have the checked out?

[FearFracture]

I had my last DEXA in December 2023 and saw my endocrinologist shortly thereafter. He had already received the radiologist’s summary (my endocrinologist never bothers to get or look at my actual DEXA scans). When my endocrinologist was reviewing my DEXA summary he read this part to me “L3 vertebral body has been deleted from the study secondary to degenerative sclerotic changes which may falsely elevate bone mineral density.”

Frankly, I thought he was talking about scoliosis and I figured I was not aligned properly on the table, and my endocrinologist didn’t mention anything else about it.

Last night I was doing some research and read something on “sclerotic lesions in the spine” and a lightbulb went on in my head. So today I pulled up the radiologist report and read what my endocrinologist had read to me in December and that portion of the radiologist report goes on to say “…if clinically indicated, further evaluation plain film imaging recommended.” Not sure my my endocrinologist didn’t mention this part because, i’m, it seems important to me.

I’m going to see my new primary care physician on Wednesday and will ask her about this but I’m wondering why my endocrinologist didn’t mention it.

Also note, I had lower back MRI in 2017 and there was no sclerotic change noted at that time, but that was 7 years ago. Also, I’ve had 5 DEXAs from 2019 to 2023 and this is the 1st time a radiologist has mentioned “degenerative scheloric changes” to my L3.

[Soozie_C]

I think when they refer to sclerotic changes they are referring to arthritis. I have arthritis in my lower back and hips and it can skew the DEXA result and give a more favourable score. I am not a physician though and you obviously need to speak to your specialist. I don't think you need to worry unduly though, it is probably just wear and tear.

[walk21]

When I had my last DEXA scan the nurse explained that they have to find undamaged vertebrae to use for their measurements so that results are accurate. I have not got many that have not crushed. Arthritis can scew results too