The Bone Density Scan can accurately predict who is at increased risk for fractures and be used to accurately follow those with osteoporosis for worsening or improvement. It can be used to guide treatment of this potentially devastating disease. The Bone Density Scan uses electron beam tomography to measure bone density. Quantitative Computed Tomography is the GOLD Standard for bone densitometry.

The bone scan will reveal the overall density of your bones and predict the chance of a fracture. Bone scans are more sensitive for detection of bone density than simple x rays.

With normal aging, underlying medical conditions, use of medications and family history of osteoporosis/fractures, bones can weaken and fracture. The most common cause of bone weakening is osteoporosis. As the bones weaken, the probability of fractures increases. In the U.S. today, 10 million people already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass resulting in an increased risk for the disease and fracture. Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1-2 million fractures per year.

Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease that can have crippling effects on both women and men. There are 44 million men (20%) and women (80%) in the United States with either osteoporosis or low bone mass. Reduced bone strength can lead to fractures resulting in loss of mobility and independence. Osteoporosis is responsible for over 1.5 million fractures, of which 300,000 are hip fractures.

Your examination may be the easiest medical test you will experience. Certified Technologists with specialty training in bone densitometry will conduct the exam. You will be positioned on the exam table on your back while a scanner passes over one area of your skeleton, usually the lower spine and hip. You will not feel anything during the exam. Lie still. Breathe normally. Rest comfortably.

A diagnosis of osteoporosis is defined in terms of standard deviations from the average peak bone mass. The World Health Organization defines osteoporosis as a bone mineral density 2.5 standard deviations below that of a normal healthy 30 year old. Those who are between 1 and 2.5 standard deviations below the norm are defined as having osteopenia or low bone mass. Individuals within one standard deviation of the 30-year-old norm are considered to be at low risk for osteoporotic fracture.

After your test, call the office to schedule a follow-up appointment. Dr. Stanley will explain and discuss your results at this time.

Do not take calcium supplements the day of the exam. Wear any kind of clothing you like, but please avoid metal buttons or buckles.

Recent guidelines issued by the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend bone mineral density testing for the following individuals:

No, each woman should be assessed by her doctor about the risk of developing osteoporosis and be referred for a bone density measurement if necessary.

In the new 2006 medical textbook titled Vitamin D: New Research, published by Nova, you will find a chapter written by Waterhouse JC, Marshall TG, Fenter B, Mangin M, Blaney G on High levels of active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D despite low levels of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D precursor - Implications of dysregulated vitamin D for diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Disease A copy of the chapter can be found at this Internet address:

Iron deficiency means that a woman does not have sufficient oxygen carrying capacity in her blood - so that she feels tired and has reduced endurance performance. Anorexia means that a woman will have very few reserves of body fat or muscle glycogen which will also affect her ability to train and achieve peak performance. Low bone density puts that woman at a risk of stress fractures and fractures which will limit her ability to be involved in physical activities.

Yes. Research shows that female tea drinkers had much stronger bones than non-tea drinkers. Tea drinkers had 5% more bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, indicating a 10% to 20% lower fracture risk. Researchers speculate that isoflavonoid chemicals in tea may have a weak estrogenic effect, reducing bone deterioration and osteoporosis risk. Click here for more on tea's health benefits.

The federal 1997 Balanced Budget Act passed by Congress includes a provision that outlines how Medicare is to cover densitometry testing. Uniform coverage of bone mass measurements under Medicare Part B went into effect July 1, 1998. Previously, interpretation of guidelines on this subject was left up to the individual carriers. The Act authorizes coverage for testing for individuals who fall into the following categories: These benefits apply to all Medicare plans, including managed care plans.

All the SERMs coming into the marketplace have only been studied for only a short period of time. No one knows the actual long-term effects of these drugs. There are ongoing studies that may help with this dilemma. The suggestion here is that women should wait until more data is available regarding raloxifene prevention. It is estimated that close to 20 million women who are at high risk for breast cancer could benefit from its use.

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A study at the Pacific Health Research Institute in Honolulu was designed to provide concrete data on the restoration of bone mass in post-menopausal females. Bone density rose with an average of 5.6%. At the university of Graz in Austria a similar study clearly showed an increase in bone density after one year of around 6%. These results make all the difference in functioning in good health or suffering with an increasing risk for spontaneous fractures.