Osteoporosis is a disorder in which progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture.
“Risks include,” says Hannibal Clinic Family Practitioner Dr. Lent Johnson, “being a postmenopausal woman, being a Caucasian or Asian woman, having a family history of osteoporosis, having had eating disorders and patients who’ve taken certain medications such as steroids, anticonvulsants and thyroid medication. Smoking, alcoholism and inactivity also affect bone mass.”
Technology has advanced the fight against Osteoporosis. “Highly sensitive densitometers help physicians identify patient’s risks at a much earlier stage,” says Dr. Johnson.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s guidelines state that women over 65, younger post menopausal women who have any of the osteoporosis risk factors as well as those with specific fractures should take a Dexa scan.
“Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry or Dexa scan is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density,” explains Dr. Johnson. The equipment measures the density of the spine, hip and other bones which are the most frequent sites of fracture. They allow earlier detection of a potential problem at an earlier stage when changes in diet, exercise habits, and/or medications can prevent further deterioration of bone. They can also evaluate the bone’s response to treatment.
The International Society for Clinic Densitometry (ISCD) recommends Dexa scans be interpreted by Certified Clinical Densitometrists to ensure consistent, quality readings.
Dr. Johnson says, “By measuring the response in treatment, we can know the effectiveness of treatment.”
Treatment options are varied. Dr. Johnson suggests at least 1,500 milligrams of calcium and at least 400 international units of Vitamin D daily. Some medications have been shown to be successful in lowering rates of fracture. Weight bearing exercise is also important to reduce the possible hazards which can lead to fracture.
The exam, performed by a registered radiology technologist, only takes a few minutes to perform, requires no special preparation by the patient, and is a comfortable procedure.
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Osteoporosis is a disorder in which progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture.
“Risks include,” says Hannibal Clinic Family Practitioner Dr. Lent Johnson, “being a postmenopausal woman, being a Caucasian or Asian woman, having a family history of osteoporosis, having had eating disorders and patients who’ve taken certain medications such as steroids, anticonvulsants and thyroid medication. Smoking, alcoholism and inactivity also affect bone mass.”
Technology has advanced the fight against Osteoporosis. “Highly sensitive densitometers help physicians identify patient’s risks at a much earlier stage,” says Dr. Johnson.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s guidelines state that women over 65, younger post menopausal women who have any of the osteoporosis risk factors as well as those with specific fractures should take a Dexa scan.
“Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry or Dexa scan is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density,” explains Dr. Johnson. The equipment measures the density of the spine, hip and other bones which are the most frequent sites of fracture. They allow earlier detection of a potential problem at an earlier stage when changes in diet, exercise habits, and/or medications can prevent further deterioration of bone. They can also evaluate the bone’s response to treatment.
The International Society for Clinic Densitometry (ISCD) recommends Dexa scans be interpreted by Certified Clinical Densitometrists to ensure consistent, quality readings.
Dr. Johnson says, “By measuring the response in treatment, we can know the effectiveness of treatment.”
Treatment options are varied. Dr. Johnson suggests at least 1,500 milligrams of calcium and at least 400 international units of Vitamin D daily. Some medications have been shown to be successful in lowering rates of fracture. Weight bearing exercise is also important to reduce the possible hazards which can lead to fracture.
The exam, performed by a registered radiology technologist, only takes a few minutes to perform, requires no special preparation by the patient, and is a comfortable procedure.
