Bone Mineral Densitometry

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone tissue causing them to become weaker and more likely to fracture. A silent progressive disease, sufferers may be unaware of the condition until they experience a fracture after minimal trauma. This can happen anywhere in the skeleton, but is most commonly found in the spine, hips and forearm. Studies show that 1/3 women and 1/5 men will suffer from an osteoporosis related fracture at sometime in their life. If left undetected and untreated, osteoporosis can cause severe pain and affect the quality of life to sufferers.

Can Osteoporosis be treated?

Yes- Particularly if detected early. Bones that have been weakened by osteoporosis are unable to be completely re-strengthened, but early detection can arrest the weakening process and ensure the condition doesn’t get any worse. In other words, the later osteoporosis is detected, the harder it is to treat. Early detection typically results in osteoporosis having little or no affect on people’s lives.

How can Osteoporosis be detected?

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed using a simple BMD examination. Patients are required to simply lie on an open table for up to 10 minutes whilst the machine tests the density of their bones. There is no pain and almost zero radiation. All that is required is that the patient removes any metal buckles or jewellery and lie down on the BMD table for several minutes. Once the examination has been completed, the bone density level is given a density score which defines if there is osteoporosis present within the bones or not. Once diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment can start ensuring there are no continued symptoms or further degeneration of bone tissue. Imaging Morayfield can bulk-bill all patients who have indications for osteoporosis if they meet specific Medicare approved criteria.

Who is at risk of Osteoporosis and what are the indicators?

There are many different indicators of Osteoporosis including: Postmenopausal women, people aged over 70, anyone who has suffered or suffers from: fractures under minimal trauma, hyperthyroidism, chronic liver disease, malabsorption, chronic renal disease, excess thyroxine, rheumatoid arthritis, and many more. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for a Bulk Billed BMD examination.

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