Bone Density Testing

Do I need a Bone Density Test?

If you have a family history of osteoporosis or are worried about osteoporosis, you should see your physician at South Bay Family Medical Group to determine whether or not a bone density study is medical indicated. This convenient, painless test allows us to accurately evaluate your bone density in minutes. Knowing the state of your bone health can empower you to make lifestyle changes that can mean a tremendous difference in the quality of your life and your future health. Taking steps to make sure your bones are healthy can significantly reduce your risk of acute fractures (which, in turn, may reduce the risk of major surgeries like hip replacements).

Some Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:

• Being female - Women are at five times greater risk than men.
• Thin, small-boned frame
• Broken bones or stooped posture in older family members, especially women, which suggest a family history of osteoporosis
• Early estrogen deficiency in women who experience menopause before age 45, either naturally or resulting from surgical removal of the ovaries
• Estrogen deficiency due to abnormal absence of menstruation (as may accompany eating disorders)
• Ethnic heritage - White and Asian women are at highest risk; African-American and Hispanic women are at lower, but significant, risk.
• Advanced age
• Prolonged use of some medications - These medications include some antiseizure medications, glucocorticoids (certain anti-inflammatory medications, such as prednisone, used to treat asthma, arthritis and some cancers), certain cancer treatments, some treatments for endometriosis, excessive use of aluminum-containing antacids, and excessive thyroid hormone. It is important to discuss the use of these drugs with your physician, and not to stop or alter your medication dose on your own.
• Growth hormone deficiency in children and youth.

Simple, Painless Bone Density Testing

Routine X-rays can't detect osteoporosis until it's quite advanced, but other radiological methods can. We now offer a Bone Mineral Density Test which requires far less radiation than a chest X-ray. Our single-energy X-ray bone densitometer, the Hologic Discovery C, allows us to compute bone mineral density easily and painlessly with a single reading, usually taking as little as 60 seconds.

A special feature of our Hologic Discovery bone densitometer is the Instant Vertebral Assessment (IVA), which provides high-resolution images to reveal existing vertebral deformities. Existing spine fractures increases the risk of future spine fractures five-fold and doubles the risk of hip fracture, so the combination of IVA and BMD (bone mineral density) assessments helps us to precisely determine the potential risk and proper course of treatment of our patients.