CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center has upgraded its bone density diagnostic instrument with the Horizon Bone Density Scanner/DEXA Scan provided by Hologic. The new technology is faster, and produces higher quality images. The DEXA system is the latest in densitometry technology, but the dual energy X-ray does more than just measure bone density. The Horizon DEXA system has features for a complete fracture risk assessment and more.
Bone density scanners are particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. The scans are painless, non-invasive, and take only three minutes to complete. They are typically performed on the hip and spine, which are the areas of the body most commonly affected by osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak bones. One in five women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, a man’s risk is one in 20. It is a silent disease with virtually no symptoms. Most people are not aware they have the disease until they have a bone fracture. With serious osteoporosis fractures can occur by simple stresses like a bump or cough. Fractures may not heal properly causing pain that may not go away. Fractures of the hip, spine, or wrist are most common and can lead to a variety of problems including pain, loss of functionality and a lower quality of life.
The US Preventive Task Force recommends that if you are a woman over age 65 or under 65 with multiple risk factors, such as family history of the disease or broken bones after age 50 that you should be tested for osteoporosis. A bone density test is also recommended for men over age 70. Test results will help determine how often the test should be repeated.
While there is no cure for Osteoporosis you can help keep your bones strong at any age by eating a healthy diet featuring lots of green leafy vegetables, fish and grains. Get active with weight bearing exercise. If you smoke, quit and reduce alcohol consumption. You can use these same techniques if you learn that you have Osteoporosis. If these lifestyle changes are not enough there are a variety of medications that can slow down bone loss or help rebuild bone. You and your health care provider can decide what medications would be the right choice for you.
