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1.
What is Osteoporosis?
2. What is Bone Densitometry?
3. How do I prepare for a Dexa scan?
4. How do I know if I have Osteoporosis?
5. Is osteoporosis preventable and treatable?
1. What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease chacterized
by diminished structural integrity of the skeleton which results
in an increased risk of fracture. It is a significant health
problem that affects more than 25 million women in the United
States and likely is responsible for approximately 1.5 million
fractures annually. Osteoporosis is a condition that develops
silently and often without symptoms over a period of years,
eventually progressing to a point where a fracture can easily
occur causing pain and disability. The post-menopausal female
population has the highest incidence of osteoporosis and the
highest death rate due to the disease.
Throughout life, bones maintain themselves through a process
known as remodeling in which old bone matrix is removed (resorption)
and new bone matrix is formed. In early adulthood, the levels
of bone resorption and bone formation are balanced. During menopause,
estrogen levels decline causing bone resorption to exceed bone
formation, resulting in a loss of bone mass.
Studies indicate that women may lose several percent of their
skeleton each year, with the most rapid loss occurring in the
years immediately after menopause.
The sequella of osteoporosis results in significant morbility
and mortality with as many as one in every five hip fracture
patients dying from complications within a year after fracture.
One in every four will require long-term care, and an even higher
percentage of hip fracture patients will never return to an
active and independent lifestyle.
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2. What is Bone Densitometry?
Bone densitometry, or DEXA scan (dual
energy x-ray absorptiometry), is a technique that measures the
mineral content of bone. The hip, spine, and occasionally wrist
are the sites evaluated in that these are the sites where osteoporosis
occurs initially. The measurements of bone density obtained
are then compared against reference populations based on your
age, sex, weight, and ethnic background. This information can
then be used by your doctor to assist in diagnosing osteoporosis,
response to treatment, and likelihood of fracture.
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3. How do I prepare for a Dexa scan?
You should not take any calcium supplements
the day before or the day of the exam. You should avoid having
any exam that requires contrast for seven days before your Dexa
scan.
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4. How do I know if I have Osteoporosis?
While osteoporosis is a silent disease
until the later stages, a bone density scan, in combination
with physical examination and laboratory findings is the most
accurate means of diagnosing the disorder.
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5. Is osteoporosis preventable and
treatable?
Until recently, osteoporosis was thought to be a natural consequence
of aging. However, with the increased focus on women's health
issues and preventive medical practices, this attitude is changing.
There are over 70 clinical studies currently in progress to
assess the safety and effectiveness of new therapies to treat
this disease. This push by the pharmaceutical industry to develop
new therapies, coupled with the increased recognition of the
disease as a preventable and treatable condition, bodes well
for women who want to maintain independent and active lifestyles.
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