|
Osteoporosis is a major health problem affecting nearly 28 million individuals in the United States; 80% are women who often go undiagnosed. Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the density and quality of bone, and leads to skeletal structure weakness and increased risk of fracture. It is known as the “silent disease” because bone loss is gradual and without symptoms or warning signs until the disease is advanced. Bones become so weak that a sudden bump or strain causes a fracture or vertebra collapse.
Prevention of Osteoporosis is very important — while there are treatments for the disease — there is no cure. A bone mineral density test is the only accurate way to diagnose osteoporosis, assess fracture risk and monitor the effects of treatment. At Providence we test the lumbar spine and hips. If you have metal in your back or have had hip replacement surgery, we will measure your wrist. Measurements taken at the central body sites, the spine and hip, are considered more sensitive than measurements of the peripheral sites, the wrist and heel, because changes occur much slower at the peripheral sites. Bone density at peripheral sites may be normal when bone density at central sites is already significantly abnormal.
Several radiographic techniques are currently available to measure bone density. DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptometry) is the most technologically advanced and the one that is used at Providence Medford Medical Center. It is the most reproducible, accurate, and produces very low radiation exposure. This simple, quick, non-invasive test can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs and can predict your risk of future fracture.
Avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Please bring your completed bone density questionnaire with you to your appointment. Since you will be lying on a table fully clothed, avoid wearing clothing with metal, i.e. zippers, buttons or grommets, as this will interfere with the scan. You should not have a barium study, radioisotope injection, and oral or intravenous contrast material from a CT or MRI within seven days prior to your test.
The Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center at Providence Medford Medical Center is located on the ground floor of Providence Plaza, adjacent to Providence Medford Medical Center. To make an appointment for any of the services offered, please call: (541) 732-6100.
LATERAL VERTEBRAL ASSESSMENT: Diagnosing Fracture Risk
Lateral Vertebral Assessment (LVA) is now offered at the Leila J. Eisenstein Breast Center at PMMC. LVA performed on a DXA bone densitometer provides a highly useful assessment of a patient's fracture status.
The LVA software provides a single view of the spine visualizing from T5-L4, significantly lowering the radiation dose. This software also allows screening for patients who cannot lie flat on their back.
You might be a candidate for LVA if you are:
-
Over 65
-
Experiencing loss of height
-
Have a history of vertebral fracture
-
Have a history of long-term corticosteroid therapy
-
Have osteoporosis at the hip or spine
-
Are at high risk of vertebral fractures
Ask your doctor to include LVA with your next bone density test.
Back To Top
|
