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Osteoporosis Questions and Answers
Osteoporosis can rob you of your independence. It is a disease that gradually weakens bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis and its associated fractures can rob you of your mobility and independence.
It is estimated that at age 50, a woman has nearly a 50% chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her remaining lifetime. A woman's lifetime risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer - and up to 20% more women who suffer hip fractures die within one year of the fracture than those of a similar age who haven't suffered a hip fracture.
A bone density measurement can help your doctor diagnose osteoporosis. Early detection using bone density measurement is the best way to protect yourself from potentially debilitating effects of osteoporosis.
Q. What is bone density measurement?
A. A bone density measurement will determine your bone mineral density (BMD) for the area measured and compare that result with the average BMD of young adult normals of your sex and race at their peak BMD. This information will help your doctor determine if you need to take certain steps to protect your bone health. Bone density measurement is simple, safe, noninvasive and painless - and you don't need to undress.
Q. How long does a bone density measurement take?
A. A measurement usually takes from 5 to 20 minutes. You will be asked to be very still during this time.
Q. How much radiation will I be exposed to?
A. You will be exposed to very little radiation Ð in fact, in most cases, less than 1/20 the exposure of a standard chest X-ray.
Q. What should I wear?
A. Wear comfortable clothing, preferably something without metal buttons, buckles or zippers.
Q. Is a bone density measurement the same as a bone scan?
A. A bone scan, which may help a doctor to identify certain bone abnormalities such as infection, inflammation and cancer, requires an injection of radioactive material. A bone density measurement requires no special preparation, medication or injection.
If you think you may be at risk for osteoporosis, ask your doctor if a bone density measurement will be of value to you.
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