Bone Densitomitry

Osteoporosis is a disease in which your bones become thin and weak. As you age, your risk of developing osteoporosis increases. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. The best way to determine if you have low bone mineral density (BMD) and to evaluate your fracture risk is to have a Bone Density test followed by an instant vertebral assessment (IVA).

Viewmont Medical uses the latest technology DEXA machine to evaluate both of these factors on the same machine. The test is painless and can be performed in just a few minutes. A DEXA scan is covered by most insurance for those menopausal women at risk of developing osteoporosis, or to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for osteoporosis. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis. Consult with your physician if you think you might benefit from knowing your bone density.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that a bone density test be done for the following risk factors:

• All women aged 65 and older.
• All men aged 70 and older.
  
• Family history or personal history of a fracture as an adult
• Women that are thin or small boned (under 127 lbs.)
• Race (Caucasian or Asian women are more at risk)
• Early or Normal Menopause
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Use of medications to treat chronic diseases
  o Thyroid disease
  o Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

It is important to take action now to find out your risk for developing osteoporosis. Your doctor can help you determine whether you should have a BMD test. Your doctor may order a BMD test for:

• All postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis (in addition to being postmenopausal and female)
• All women age 65 and older regardless of additional risk factors
• Postmenopausal women who present with fractures women who are considering therapy for osteoporosis if BMD testing would facilitate the decision
• Women who have been on hormone therapy (HT/ET) for prolonged positions.

Free Osteoporosis Screenings

As a community service, Viewmont Medical Services offers Free Osteoporosis Screenings twice a month. The exam is performed on a Lunar Pixi densitometer, which gives a precise estimation of your bone mineral density. The results are then forwarded to your physician for evaluation and recommendations. For more information on available dates visit viewmontmedical.com or call 570-343-4334 to schedule an appointment.

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