Osteoporosis was once diagnosed only after a weakened bone fractured. For those recovering from osteoporotic fractures, that diagnosis came too late to be of much use.

Today, even early stages of osteoporosis can be detected sooner with a bone mineral density (BMD) test, a painless 90-second procedure done with a Dexa-Scan. This test can also provide information regarding your risk of suffering a fracture and can assist us to work with you and your medical doctor to protect you from this condition.  It is as simple as an x-ray of the middle finger of your non-dominant hand.

When we scan you, we will assess you for certain risk factors that predispose you to fractures:

• decreased or impaired physical activity
• low muscle mass or impaired strength
• balance problems
• poor eyesight
• excessive alcohol consumption
• a history of falls
• the presence of environmental hazards, such as electrical cords or throw rugs in walking paths

• the use of medications, such as sedatives and blood pressure drugs, that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or impaired balance

• advanced age

• diminished hormone production (in both genders)

• low dietary calcium intake

• excessive acid in the diet

Typically, if we find signs of decreased bone density, we will, with your permission, communicate this information to your primary care physician (PCP).  We will give you a copy of the scan for your information.  We will discuss starting supplemental calcium and weight-bearing exercise within your tolerance.  This will help, but we may also encourage you to have a conversation with your PCP about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the use of bone hardening drugs to help you regain some bone density.