Bone Density Testing

Based on a technology called Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry—or DXA—the bone densitometer measures the bone mineral content and density of specific bone sites (mainly the hip and spine) that are most susceptible to fracture due to osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases. The prevalence of these diseases, especially in post-menopausal women, makes bone densitometry a necessary part of a complete bone health program, particularly for women.

This was the first unit of its kind in the Wayne County area. Prior to our installation, the nearest machine was about 25 miles away. Many patients were referred to some of the larger city hospitals for testing. The procedure itself is simple. By making the location more convenient, more patients should be able to take advantage of the service. It also gives area gynecologists, internists and family practitioners a local option for referrals.

Bone density testing is fast and painless. It requires no injections or invasive procedures. During a test, a patient lies fully clothed on a padded treatment table while the machine scans one or more areas of bone. The entire test normally takes only minutes to complete. And even though the machine emits x-rays, the radiation dose during the test is less than the radiation exposure during a coast-to-coast airline flight.

All women over age 50 or past menopause should talk to their doctors about their risk of developing osteoporosis. The risk is much higher than most women realize. The statistics released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation are quite grim. One out of every two women past menopause will develop the disease and one out of three will fracture. There are now drugs that have been shown to actually reverse the bone-loss process. Somehow, it seems all the more tragic that a patient loses their independent lifestyle because of a hip fracture that could have been prevented.

Call the office for more information, or for a brochure discussing DXA scanning.