Bone Densitometry
Physicians may order the bone densitometry test to determine a baseline bone density that will aid in determining whether the bones change over time. At North Oaks Diagnostic Center, radiologic technologists use the Hologic Discovery C Bone Densitometry Unit to detect bone changes rapidly and painlessly. Bone density changes can indicate osteoporosis.
What is osteoporosis?
- Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thinner.
- Osteoporosis causes the body to remove more bone than it replaces. This means that bones may become more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is common, especially in older women. But young people and men may develop osteoporosis, too.
- Osteoporosis may be prevented, and with proper therapy, it can be treated. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, appropriate exercise and, in some cases, medication is important for maintaining bone health.
- A bone density test can measure bone mass and may help determine bone strength and predict the risk of future fracture.
Who is at risk for osteoporosis?
- Women age 65 and older
- Men age 70 and older
- Women who are going through or who are post-menopause
- Caucasian and Asian women
- Small, thin-boned people
- People with a family member with osteoporosis
- People who do not get adequate calcium or vitamin D
- Those who do not exercise
- Smokers
- Those who drink alcohol excessively
- Those on bone-thinning medicines (like prednisone or other corticosteroids) for a long time
What are some of the symptoms of osteoporosis?
- Likelihood of breaking or fracturing bones in the back, wrist or hips increases, especially with a fall
- Shrinking (getting shorter)
- A back hump, or curve, may develop
- Bad back pain that may prevent involvement in some activities.
- You may not have any pain or other symptoms when osteoporosis begins.
What is the bone densitometry test?
The bone densitometer uses X-rays to measure the calcium and other minerals in the bone. The most common areas technologists use for X-ray include the hip, spine and forearm.Results will aid physicians in measuring the risk of developing osteoporosis, as well as assessing whether there has been a change over time in bone density.
Results are provided to your physician typically within 48 hours of your visit. Studies are read by a board-certified radiologist with North Oaks Imaging Associates, and are available to your physician in a CD format upon request.
Do you have a question about Bone Densitometry?
E-mail your questions and one of our staff members will reply within 48 hours:
radiology@northoaks.org
Sorry, no medical advice can be exchanged.
Bone Densitometry Services are provided at:
North Oaks Diagnostic Center
15837 Paul Vega, MD, Drive
(on the campus of North Oaks Medical Center)
Hammond, LA 70403
To schedule an appointment, call North Oaks Patient Scheduling between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Hammond (985) 230-7777
Livingston (225) 686-4899