Osteoporosis Screening with
 Bone Densitometry / DEXA Scan
Osteoporosis is a very common condition among older individuals,
particularly older women. As we age, we lose bone density and our
bones become fragile. This process is accelerated in women after
menopause. In people with osteoporosis, a relatively minor fall or
other accident can lead to painful and disabling fractures of the spine,
hip,
and other sites.
Now that effective medical therapy is available, diagnosing osteoporosis
has become the important first step to controlling or reversing the
condition before the patient suffers from a fracture.
Bone Densitometry or DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the best way to diagnose and evaluate the
degree of osteoporosis. Scanning is
performed of the lumbar spine and of one hip. The bone densities are
calculated and graphed relative to normal control data. Those with
bone densities significantly lower (more than 2.5 SD) than the average
bone density of a young adult are diagnosed with osteoporosis. A
more moderate degree of osteoporosis is called osteopenia.
More information about Osteoporosis can be obtained by visiting the
website of the National Osteoporosis
Foundation.
Bone Densitometry / DEXA Scan is available at
SDI
Diagnostic Imaging in Oldsmar as well as at St. Joseph's Women's
Hospital and St. Joseph's Diagnostic Centers.
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