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Dexa & Bone Miineral Density
Osteoporosis is a disease that results in a significant risk of fracture. The consequences of fracture can include hospitalization, immobility, a decrease in the quality of life, and even death. From a larger perspective, it is a costly disease in terms of the health-care system and time lost from work. Early detection and therapy is the mainstay for trying to prevent these complications. BMD testing results correlate well with the risk of fracture, and the testing is easily performed in a time-efficient manner without any discomfort. Although many methods of BMD testing exist, the best currently is DEXA scanning. It is imperative that testing ultimately be done using state-of-the-art equipment with capable highly trained personnel and a doctor well versed in interpreting the results.
- 40% of postmenopausal women in the U.S. have osteopenia (low bone density). An additional 7% have osteoporosis.
- In 1995, osteoporosis-related fractures were associated with over 400,000 hospitalizations, stressing the importance of early detection and appropriate prescription therapy.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) estimates the true mass of bone.
- BMD analysis is recommended for women between ages 50 and 65 with risk factors for osteoporosis and for all women over the age of 65. In addition, men and women taking certain medications or having certain diseases should discuss testing with their doctor.
- By measuring BMD, it is possible to predict fracture risk in the same manner that measuring blood pressure can help predict the risk of stroke.
- DEXA is quick, painless and the preferred method to measure BMD.
- Osteoporosis has many available prescription and nonprescription treatment options once the diagnosis is made.
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