Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the disease where bones become brittle allowing them to break easily. Although osteoporosis can affect both men and women of all ages and ethnicities, it is most common in older individuals, with an increased risk in women. Primary osteoporosis is a result of ones genetic background, but there are many other diseases, conditions, genetic disorders, medications, and lifestyle factors that can affect the skeleton and result in secondary osteoporosis.
Unfortunately, there are no symptoms of osteoporosis until a fracture has occurred. Not all fractures cause pain and studies show over half the people who suffer spinal fractures experience no pain at the time of their fracture. Other symptoms people may notice are loss of height, stooping of their posture and shortness of breath. Until recently, osteoporosis could not be diagnosed until a fracture occurred. Fortunately, new technology allows most people who are at risk to be identified before a fracture occurs. This allows them to start appropriate treatment, with the goal to prevent fractures. Even if one has already suffered a fracture, lifestyle changes and medications today can significantly reduce the risk of further fractures.
Talk with your health care provider about osteoporosis, and whether you are at risk.
Central Utah Clinic is certified by The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD).
Tests to Detect Osteoporosis
BMD (bone mineral density) or DXA
Central DXA is a non-surgical and painless examination consisting of a very low dose X-ray. Very low doses of X-ray (about 1/30th the radiation of a standard chest X-ray, less than radiation from an airplane trip, equivalent to two hours of direct sunshine) are used to rapidly scan your bones. A computer converts this information to numbers indicating your bone density. This is a high-technology test that takes only a few minutes and involves no shots, needles, enemas or medicine. In fact, you don't even have to take off your clothes, provided what you are wearing does not contain any metal objects.
A central DXA test measures bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and/or hip and/or radius and sometimes the whole body. Central DXA is generally considered the "gold standard" method of measuring BMD for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring the effects of osteoporosis therapy.
What should I expect at that time of BMD (bone mineral density) or DXA?
This depends on the type of bone density test you are having. However, all are non-surgical and involve a painless examination that does not involve injections or contrast materials. You will likely have to wear a gown and have your height and weight measured. The lumbar spine/hips along with various other skeletal sites are usually examined. The time it takes to perform these tests varies depending on a number of factors.
Some items to consider as you prepare for your test include:
- Are you pregnant? If so, tell the technologist.
- Eat a normal diet on the day of the test.
- Take your medications as you normally would.
- Do not take calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test.
- On the day of the test, leave valuables at home.
- Do not wear jewelry or body piercing to the examination.
- The test should be performed prior to oral, rectal or IV contrast studies, or at least 7 days after any of these studies.
For central DXA testing, you may be asked to wear a gown. You will need to lie on your back, on a table, in a comfortable position for several minutes. You should remain as still as possible during the procedure. Generally, you can resume your usual activities immediately.
Peripheral Testing (PIXI)
For peripheral testing (PIXI), you may have to remove your shoe and sock and a harmless gel may be applied to the area being examined.
VFA (vertebral fracture assessment)
VFA (vertebral fracture assessment) is new technology used to assess the spine for fractures. This can be performed easily by some newer central DXA machines at the time of BMD examination.
Additional Information
Helpful Web Site Links
For more information about osteoporosis, please visit the ISCD at www.iscd.org or the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nog.org.