Osteoporosis Screening

Bone Densitometry

Osteoporosis and associated fractures can rob you of your mobility and your independence. Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the strength of your bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Approximately 54% of women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis and are at risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture. A woman's risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer - and up to 24% of women who suffer hip fractures, die within one year of the fracture.

Osteoporosis

Early Diagnosis: The first step toward preserving your independence

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests use small amounts of radiation to determine the density of the spine, hip, wrist and other skeletal sites. Your results are compared with the average BMD of healthy young adults of your sex. This information can help your doctor diagnose osteoporosis or assess your risk for developing osteoporosis in the future.

Reasons for BMD testing

Help confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis before a fracture occurs
Detect low bone mass before osteoporosis develops
Monitor the effects of treatment on bone density over time (e.g., at intervals of at least 12 to 24 mos)

Physicians recommend BMD testing for many different types of patients, including postmenopausal women with risk factors for osteoporosis who have never been on therapy for osteoporosis, patients taking steroid medication, patients with hyperthyroidism, and patients who have had a fracture in which osteoporosis is suspected.

How is a bone density test done?

Depending on the type of equipment your doctor selects to measure your bone density, you may be asked to lie on a table while a movable arm passes over the area to be tested. Or, you may simply place your forearm into another type of instrument while you remain seated. All technologies are accurate, simple, painless and noninvasive and are completed in a short period of time.

Is a bone density test the same as a bone scan?

No, a "bone scan" is a procedure requiring an injection of radioactive material. A bone density test is faster and requires no special preparatory drinks, medications or injections.

How much radiation will I be exposed to?

In most cases, your radiation exposure will be a fraction of what you would receive from a standard chest x-ray. You may also be interested to know that the radiation exposure is actually about the same, as you would experience on a cross-country airline flight. As with any medical procedure, be sure to inform your physician if your are pregnant.

How long does the test take?

Tests of areas commonly measured, such as the spine, forearm or hip can take 2 to 5 minutes each.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing, preferably without metal buttons, buckles or zippers.

If you are postmenopausal, ask your doctor if a bone density test would be of value to you

Women who are postmenopausal are at risk for osteoporosis. The presence of any one of these factors can add to your risk:

Age (bone loss increases with advancing age)
Inactive lifestyle
Thin or small build
Previous fracture
Family history of osteoporosis
Early menopause (before age 45)
Smoking
Caucasian/Asian race (although these races are at increased risk, all races and ethnicities are at risk for osteoporosis)
Certain medications (including steroids and thyroid hormone)
Alcohol abuse
Inadequate calcium intake

Associated Links

- National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) at http//www.nof.org

Hologic, Inc. - (equipment manufacturer) at http//www.hologic.com/

Hologic, Inc. - "About Osteoporosis" at http//www.hologic.com/osteo.html

Hunterdon Diagnostics

31 North Office Centre, 121 State Route 31, Suite 400
Flemington, New Jersey 08822
If you have any specific questions or concerns
please contact Fran Volski, RT(R) (M) (QM)
at the Osteoporosis Screening Center at (908) 788-5123

http://www.whchc.com/dex -- Revised: 06/01/2008
Women's Health Center of Hunterdon County