Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to gradually become weaker and more brittle, which makes them more likely to break. Osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures. Any bone can be affected, but fractures of the hip and spine are most serious. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can limit a person's ability to walk and may cause permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity. 1. Who is at risk of osteoporosis? The only way to determine your bone health is to have your bone density measured. Risk factors are helpful for identifying people who are more likely to develop osteoporosis, but they cannot tell you how dense your bones are; therefore, risk factors cannot tell you if you have osteoporosis. Risk factors that increase your chances of developing osteoporosis are: being female a small, thin frame advanced age a family history of osteoporosis early menopause abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) anorexia nervosa or bulimia a diet low in calcium use of certain medications(steroids, anticonvulsants,excessive thyroid hormones, certain cancer treatments) low testosterone levels in men a lifestyle of limited activity cigarette smoking frequent alcohol use malabsorption problems 2. Are men at risk for osteoporosis too? Although osteoporosis is thought of as a major women's health problem, over five million American men are affected by it. One in every 8 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. 3. What is the value of a bone densitometer test in osteoporosis management? A bone density test can: detect low bone density before a fracture occurs predict your chances of fracturing in the future confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you have already fractured determine your rate of bone loss if the test is conducted at intervals of a year of more monitor the effects of treatment if the test is conducted at intervals of a year or more 4. Who needs a bone density assessment? Your doctor may order a bone density test for you if you: are deciding whether or not to start long term estrogen replacement therapy are taking glucocorticoid medications, like prednisone for diseases such as asthma, arthritis, lupus, or Crohn's disease have hyperparathyroidism have recently had a fracture in which osteoporosis is suspected are monitoring the progress of an osteoporosis treatment have multiple risk factors (see above) 5. What is DEXA? DEXA is a method for determining bone density using two different energies of x-rays. DEXA stands for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. It is a method that involves an extremly low dose of radiation to the patient. It also has a low precision error, which means that DEXA technology gives repeatable, dependable results. 6. How much radiation exposure is involved? In general DEXA exams involve about 1uSv of radiation. "uSv", which stands for microsieverts, is a term used to measure the amount of radiation a patient receives. 1uSv is equivalent to only about 2% of the radiation exposure of a chest x-ray. 7. What other tests could be used? Techniques for measuring bone density: Technique Bones Measured Examine Time (minutes) Precision Error Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Spine, hip total body, forearm, finger, heel 1-15 1-2% Single Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (SXA) Heel, forearm 4 1-2% Ultrasound Heel 2 3% 8. How will I obtain the results of the test? The results of a bone density test are reported as a series of numbers. These results should be interpreted by a doctor experienced in the use of bone density testing. Since the test is sometimes made in another office, be sure to find out where the results will be sent, and who will be discussing the results with you. 9. How will my doctor use my results to determine my risk of fracture? The information from a bone density test enables your doctor to identify where you stand within ranges of what is normal and to determine whether you are at risk of a fracture. In general the lower your BMD, the higher your risk of a fracture. This information will help you and your doctor decide the best course of action for your bone health. 10. What if I get another test at a later date? Does it matter whether I am tested on a different type of bone densitometer or different body part? Because bone densitometers may give different results depending on the type of technology and the body site tested, a follow up test on the same machine can give your physician the most meaningful information on your bone health. 11. What is an accuDEXA bone densitometer? The accuDEXA is a peripheral bone densitometer that assesses the bone mineral density of the finger. This bone mineral density value is a relative indicator of bone density elsewhere on the body. This device can test bone density quickly and easily in the comfort of Ballas office.The accuDEXA results can be used by your physician as an aid in determining your risk for a fracture. 12. What happens during an accuDEXA bone densitometer exam? The accuDEXA bone density test is quick and painless. The entire procedure takes only a couple of minutes. The technician will position your hand in the bone densitometer, and the machine will take an x-ray image of your middle finger which is used to evaluate your bone density. Ask your physician about the meaning of the results and treatment options. WARNING: you should not get a bone densitometer test if you are pregnant

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