Bone
Density Screening
Osteoporosis
is a silent disease of the bones that makes them weaken and prone
to fracture. By their mid-30s, most people begin to gradually
lose bone strength; as a result, bones become thinner and structurally
weaker.*
There
are no symptoms when you have osteoporosis, and the condition
may come to your attention only after you break a bone. Bones
affected by osteoporosis are less dense than normal bones, and
are more likely to break, even as a result of a minor bump or
fall, or even without an injury.
The most common
fractures occur at the spine, wrist and hip. Spine and hip fractures
in particular may lead to chronic pain, long-term disability and
even death.
DEXA
Bone Density Testing is the most accurate method available
to diagnose osteoporosis. Early detection is the key to prevention
of further bone loss and eventual fractures.
A thin, invisible
beam of low-dose x-rays travel through your bones in two energy
streams. One is absorbed by the soft tissue (your muscles, organs
and fat), while the other is absorbed by bone. A simple calculation
subtracting one from the other provides the bone mineral
density.
No
complications. No pain.
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