Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones become increasingly porous, brittle, and subject to fracture, due to loss of calcium and other mineral components. Sometimes, this may result in pain, decreased height, and skeletal deformities. Osteoporosis is more common in older persons, primarily postmenopausal women, but also associated with long-term steroid therapy and certain endocrine disorders.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density testing for:
- Women with additional risk factors besides menopause
- All women over 65-years-of-age
- Postmenopausal women who have broken a bone or have one or more risk factors
- Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy for an extended period of time
- Women considering osteoporosis therapy for osteoporosis
It is important to be aware of your risk of getting osteoporosis, in addition to being able to recognize the symptoms of osteoporosis.
Northwest Radiology Network offers bone density studies for osteoporosis, using a simple, painless and noninvasive screening of your lumbar spine and hip. These two types of tests evaluate your bone density and predict your risk of a fracture. At Northwest Radiology Network, board certified radiologists study your bone density via Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) OR DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Exam results include both a board certified radiologist’s interpretation of your bone health as well as a graph print-out, comparing you with others in your age and racial groups. NWR also computes and dictates a FRAX score to help evaluate fracture risk of the patient. It is based on individual patient models that show integrated risks associated with clinical risks as well as bone mineral density (BMD) at the neck of the femur (hip area).
DEXA appointments available Monday thru Saturday at our 10603 N. Meridian Street location. For your convenience, a bone density study (DEXA or QCT) can be scheduled when having a mammogram. Appointments can be made online or by phone at (800) 400-XRAY(9729).
