New Technology at Brooksville Regional Hospital Helps in Fight Against Osteoporosis

Twenty-five million Americans have osteoporosis (most common bone disease). Fifty thousand people die each year because of it. Yet, most of us know little about protecting ourselves from this disease.

Brooksville Regional Hospital recently purchased a DEXA Bone Densitometer, an effective way to measure bone mineral density, thereby determining risk for osteoporosis.

The bone disease osteoporosis is caused by more bone cells being resorbed than being deposited. This imbalance results in a progressive loss of bone density and a thinning of bone tissue. Osteoporotic bones are more porous and therefore more vulnerable to fracture.

What is a DEXA Bone Density Scan?

DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and is the most widely used test to measure bone mineral density. A dexa bone density test is more accurate than a regular x-rays or CAT scans and requires less radiation exposure. Dexa scans are now the best method of diagnosing and monitoring osteopenia and osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s guidelines state that women over 65, younger post menopausal women who have any osteoporosis risk factors and aging men with any osteoporosis risk factors should be tested with DEXA scans.

Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient’s bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented.

Who Should Get a Bone Density Scan?

Anyone at risk for osteoporosis should get a bone density scan. Postmenopausal women are at highest risk, because estrogen (which falls after menopause) preserves bone strength. But men get osteoporosis, too. Some guidelines include:

• Women over age 65: All women over the age of 65 should get a DEXA scan, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
• Postmenopausal women under age 65: For women under 65, a bone scan is not universally recommended.
• Men over the age of 70 (as recommended by The National Osteoporosis Foundation)

• The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a bone scan for women with risk factors for osteoporosis:
• History of bone fracture as an adult
• Current smoking
• History of ever taking oral steroids for more than 3 months
• Body weight under 127 pounds
• Having an immediate family member with a fragility fracture (a broken bone from a minor injury, suggesting osteoporosis).

Sheryl Clemente, RT and director of Radiology at Brooksville Regional Hospital, encourages individuals to contact their physician about your risk factors for osteoporosis and ask for a prescription for a bone density examination. “There is no special preparation involved for the patient. The exam is very brief and is a comfortable procedure for the patient,” she said.

Further information regarding a bone density scan and other radiology tests, as well as extended hours, contact Brooksville Regional Hospital’s One-call scheduling at 352-796-5474.

For more information about DEXA Bone Density Scans, click here.