Arthritis Center of Nebraska : Osteoporosis Center

Services: Osteoporosis Center

Osteoporosis Center | Clinical Research Center | Other Medical Services |

What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become more thin and fragile and gradually are more likely to break. Osteoporosis occurs more frequently in women after they reach menopause, but may also occur in men. It causes significant bone calcium loss which can result in a severe and painful curvature of the spine. The medical name for this condition is "kyphosis" which you may have heard referred to as "dowager's hump."

Prevention: The Key to a Healthy Future
Once serious osteoporosis has developed, treatment may be necessary. Various strategies have shown some success at rebuilding depleted bone mass, but this is, at best, a limited and gradual process with some individuals responding better to treatment than others. The key to avoiding the painful and crippling effects of osteoporosis is to prevent the disease from reaching its advanced stages.

At the Osteoporosis Center of Nebraska, a test is available to detect early osteoporosis. This test is called a "Bone Mineral Density" (BMD). BMD is a very safe procedure, entailing only minimal radiation exposure. Typically the radiation encountered is less than a standard chest x-ray. BMD is usually performed on the lower spine and hip areas of patients. In addition, some individuals may have a forearm scan. A BMD scan measure the actual mineral density of bone in a specific area.

DEXAscan The BMD scan is not painful, although patients who have advanced osteoporosis may experience a little discomfort from lying on their backs. The scan takes approximately 30-90 seconds per site.

Scan results include a detailed analysis of the bone mineral density of an individuals spine, hip, and/or forearm. The results are compared to the results of others in their same age group, as well as to the results of a young adult.

What happens When I Come In?
When you arrive at the office, we will ask for your completed "Osteoporosis Questionnaire" and the "Patient Information sheet." After an accurate measurement of your height and weight, the Radiologic Technologist will perform your scan. After the scan has been completed the Radiologic Technologist will provide you with osteoporosis prevention information and answer any questions you may have.

How Soon Will The Test Results Be Available
If you were referred to the Osteoporosis Center of Nebraska by a physician, he or she should have the scan results within five days of your appointment.

The results of your test will determine what, if any, treatment is needed. If your bone mass is adequate and it appears you are not at an increased risk for experiencing fractures, it may be appropriate to do nothing more than to follow the instructions regarding prevention which you were provided to you at the time of your appointment.