Osteoporosis results in more than 1 million hip, spine, and wrist fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly one-half of all post menopausal women, the largest group at high risk for osteoporosis.
Research in osteoporosis, the disorder in which progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture, is making important new advances. A key factor in this success has been the availability of new and improved equipment to measure bone density.
Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient’s bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented.
Capital Health radiologists use the Lunar iDXA bone densitometer to measure the density of the spine, hip, and forearm, which are the most frequent sites of fracture. This state-of-the-art device provides quick detection of bone changes with greater precision due to its advanced high-definition, direct-digital detector, and its open design and larger table that accommodates patients up to 450 lbs and allows for easy positioning of tall or heavy patients.