Bone Density Screening
Screening for osteoporosis is available on-site in our Northside office.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis causes a decrease in bone mass, often referred to as thinning of bone. When this occurs, the patient with osteoporosis will have weaker bones and have a higher risk of bone fracture.
Who should have a bone density test?
All postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis.
All women over the age of 65 regardless of additional risk factors.
Postmenopausal women who sustain a fracture.
Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy for prolonged periods.
Some of the most common risk factors:
Being female
Advanced age
Being Caucasian or Asian
Low bone mass
Being thin and having a small frame
Family history of osteoporosis
Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced
Excessive alcohol intake
What is a DEXA scan (bone density test)
DEXA stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and is considered the most accurate test for bone density. While standard x-rays show changes in the bone density after about 40% of bone loss, a DEXA scan can detect changes after about 1% of change. A DEXA scan last about 10 minutes, and exposes the patient to less radiation than a standard chest x-ray.




















