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Bone Density Scans

  

Did you know that more than 40% of post-menopausal women are at risk for developing osteoporosis and up to 50% are at risk for a preventable fracture? The Osteoporosis Foundation states that in the U.S. today, 10 million people already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass resulting in an increased risk for the disease. Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures per year. An average of 24% of hip fracture patients, age 50 and over, die within a year of the fracture event.

What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is, basically, a weakening of the bones from loss of minerals. The older one is, the greater the chance of developing osteoporosis. This can occur in men and women, although, because of hormonal differences, women are at greater risk. Osteoporosis is a major cause of disability. Since bones are weaker they are more prone to fracture. Fractures can occur in any bones. The spine and hips are particularly vulnerable. Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable. The only way to detect it is by bone density testing. The Bone Density Scan can accurately predict who is at increased risk for fractures and be used to accurately follow those with osteoporosis for worsening or improvement. It can be used to guide treatment of this potentially devastating disease.

How do Bone Density Scans Work?

The Bone Density Scan uses electron beam tomography to measure bone density. This is called Quantitative Computed Tomography, or QCT, which is the Gold Standard for bone densitometry. QCT is the most accurate method available, because unlike the other major method-DXA- it measures isolated trabecular bone, the first part of the bone to become affected by factors that decrease bone mass, and the first part to respond to treatment. DXA can only provide an estimate of true bone density, and cannot track changes in response to treatment as sensitively as QCT.

Who should be tested?

  • All postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporotic fracture
  • All women aged 65 and older regardless of additional risk factors
  • Postmenopausal women who present with fractures (to confirm diagnosis and determine disease severity)
  • Women who are considering therapy for osteoporosis, if BMD testing would facilitate the decision
  • Men who are considering therapy for osteoporosis, if BMD testing would facilitate the decision
  • Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy for prolonged periods
  • Men at risk for osteoporosis
  • Men and woman on long term steroid therapy
  • Men and woman with chronic bowel problems resulting in malabsorption