Osteoporosis is recognized as the most common bone disease
among human beings. As we age, the rate at which bone is lost
often
exceeds the rate at which it is formed. Osteoporosis is the resulting
condition. Osteoporotic bones are very susceptible to fractures
causing pain, disability and possibly death.
In order to meet the current and future needs of the aging
population who are at most risk in the region, UHHS Bedford Medical
Center
has acquired a Bone Densitometer, also called a Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry
or DXA. State-of-the-art DXA testing, in conjunction with a thorough
medical history, will help physicians to improve patient care
and outcomes in three ways:
- Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis
- Determine the extent of the disease
- Directly influence the course of therapy undertaken to help
reduce fracture risks and prevent further bone loss.
The National
Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recognizes many women are developing
osteoporosis without being diagnosed
or treated.
Only 29% of American women with osteoporosis are properly
diagnosed and only 14% of women with osteoporosis receive
treatment.
The NOF recommends the following groups be tested:
- Women who are 65 and older, regardless of other risk factors
- Postmenopausal
women with one or more risk factors
- All postmenopausal women
who have a fracture
It is recommended that you discuss possible
risk factors for osteoporosis with your primary care physician
and determine
if follow-up testing is necessary. Risk factors include existing
fractures, age, gender, race, bone structure and body
weight, menopause/menstrual history, lifestyle, medications and disease
and family history.
UHHS Bedford Medical Center is proud to be one of the
few healthcare facilities in the region to offer this
exciting
new technology
to the local communities.
