Monday, July 05, 2010
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Presbyterian Imaging & Breast Center University has added a new service for patients that can detect osteoporosis and assess risk of bone fracture before it occurs.
Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is an enhanced form of X-ray technology that identifies bone loss by measuring the density of bone mineral.
DXA is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that involves a gradual loss of calcium and structural changes that cause bones to become thinner and more susceptible to breaking. Osteoporosis is most commonly seen in women after menopause but may also be found in men. Bone density testing is also effective in tracking the effects of osteoporosis treatment, as well as for other conditions that cause bone loss. It can also assess the risk of developing a bone fracture.
Bone density testing is recommended for:
• Post-menopausal women who are not taking estrogen.
• Those with a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
• Post-menopausal women who are more than five feet and seven inches tall or weigh less than 125 pounds.
• Men who have clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
• Those who have used medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
• Those have Type 1 diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
• Those who have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism or a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism.
• Those who have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma or have had X-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.
If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, call 704-384-SCAN (7226) or visit www.presbyterian.org/scheduling to arrange a time to have your bone density evaluated.
Presbyterian Imaging & Breast Center University offers outpatient radiology services convenient to residents of the University area of north Charlotte and surrounding communities and is located at 8401 Medical Plaza Drive in Charlotte. This location also offers CT, ultrasound, mobile MRI, digital screening mammography and routine diagnostic and fluoroscopic exams, including X-ray.
For more information on Presbyterian Imaging and Breast Center University, please call 704-384-1580.
