This
procedure is performed at:
Medford
Medical Center
Willingboro
Medical Center
Larchmont
Medical Center II, Mt. Laurel
About
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
is the loss of bone mineral density which can result in
fractures, such as those of the spine (compression fractures)
and hip. These common fractures may be followed by full
recovery or by chronic pain, disability or even death.
Osteoporosis
affects an estimated 10 million Americans, and an additional
18 million are believed to have low bone mass which also
puts them at risk for fracture.
One
out of every two Caucasian women will experience an osteoporotic
fracture at some point in her lifetime, and there is a significant
risk, although a lower one, for non-Caucasian women and
men.
DEXA
SCAN Testing
Bone
mineral density testing is recommended for all women aged
65 and older as well as postmenopausal women under age 65
who have additional risk factors (e.g. smoking, low body
weight, poor health, alcoholism, inadequate physical activity)
and women who have been on hormonal replacement therapy
for prolonged periods.
DEXA
SCAN is the most requested bone mineral density test for
determining low bone mass. DEXA SCAN provides the most accurate,
precise, and reproducible results, making it the most reliable
method for diagnosing and monitoring treatment of osteoporosis.
Your
study at Larchmont Imaging Associates will be interpreted
by a physician, board certified by the American
Board of Radiology,
who will submit a computer generated report of your result
and images to your referring physician.
Questions
About DEXA SCAN
Is
there a special preparation involved?
-
Unlike many other medical examinations, no special preparation
is required. There are no contrast injections. Avoid taking
any calcium supplements and/or antacids with calcium 24
hours prior to exam.
What should I wear?
- Wear
loose comfortable clothing that has no metal buttons,
zippers or buckles.
What do I do during the examination?
- Lie
still. Breathe normally. Rest comfortably.
Will it hurt?
- Absolutely
not. There is no pain at all associated with a bone densitometry
examination.
