You will have more confidence in your diagnosis with scans from our state-of-the-art Lunar Prodig Bone Densitometer

In November 2007, Derry Imaging purchased a new Lunar Prodigy Bone Densitometer, which allows for Dual Energy Vertebral Assessments (DVA™). The new unit offers greatly improved technology and detects subtle bone changes in a variety of clinical applications. DVA provides a dual-energy image of the AP and lateral spine allowing clinicians to visually assess the presence of vertebral fractures. An existing vertebral fracture has been shown to double the risk of subsequent fractures. Vertebral fractures are most common in patients over age 70. Prevalence of clinical vertebral fractures in this age group is 5 – 10X higher than patients under age 70 where the prevalence is under 3%. The densitometer can measure the bone density in your spine (back bone), hip, or whole body. It is painless and takes about 15 minutes to complete.

What to Expect During Your Exam
A technologist will assist you to the Bone Density Screening room where you will lie on a comfortable table. The screening exam takes less than 5 minutes. You will be asked to be very still during this time. It is painless, non-invasive and safe. You will be exposed to very little radiation – less than a standard chest x-ray. You may eat or drink prior to the exam. Note: There is a 5-day waiting period if you have had a bone scan, barium enema or IV contrast.

What Do the Results Mean?
The results will be classified into one of the three categories.

• Normal Bone Mass: (A repeat study in 3 to 5 years to evaluate bone loss)
• Osteopenia: (Low Bone Mass – repeat the screening in 1 year to determine progression toward osteoporosis)
• Osteoporosis: (The patient may be at increased risk for fracture. Consult your primary care physician. A repeat study in 1 year to evaluate effects of therapy or progression of bone loss.)

The results will be sent to your physician who will give you the results of the examination along with follow-up recommendations.

Can Anything Be Done if the Test Is Positive?
Yes. Your primary care physician can recommend several treatment options. They might include medication, exercise and dietary changes.

About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common condition in which the bones become porous and fragile, and can fracture easily. It is caused by progressive, age-related bone loss resulting in low bone mass (or density), and affects mostly postmenopausal women and the elderly. About 1 in 4 women over the age of 50, and 1 in 8 men over 50 have osteoporosis.

What Are the Signs of Osteoporosis?
There are usually no symptoms of osteoporosis until an advanced stage when a bone fractures. There is a high risk of fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist, which can occur with minor falls, even coughing or lifting. Other signs may be loss of height and a deformed, hunched back due to collapsed vertebrae in the spine. This can cause severe back pain and disability.

Who is At Risk for Osteoporosis?
The total amount of bone and bone mass continues to grow and reaches a peak in young adulthood. The chance of developing osteoporosis later in life is related to the level of peak bone mass, which may be affected by nutrition, especially calcium intake during one’s youth, and genetic factors. Men have a higher peak bone mass than women. Another factor is rate of bone loss, where bone loss increases over bone repair after the age of 40. Bone loss is most rapid in women after menopause, and may be accelerated by poor calcium intake, lack of exercise, and other factors (see below).

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

• advanced age
• small bony stature
• family history of osteoporosis
• early menopause or ovaries removed before age 45
• prolonged immobility
• not enough calcium in diet (including as a child)
• lifestyle factors : smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake (more than 3 cups of coffee per day)
• longterm use of corticosteroid medication (eg Prednisone)
• some diseases, eg. hyperthyroidism

Early Detection Screening is the Key!

Call us today to schedule your next exam at (603) 537-1363.

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