Bone Density Scans
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density resulting in fragile bones, is a serious but common health concern, especially among postmenopausal women.
A bone density test is recommended for women who are:
- Older than 65 years old
- Postmenopausal, with a fracture or at least one other risk factor besides menopause
- Considering osteoporosis therapy
- Undergoing prolonged osteoporosis therapy
Primary care physicians may also refer men for bone density scans based on factors such as family history and the use of certain drugs that can affect bone mass.
Using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner, our physicians can precisely determine bone density and thus identify osteoporosis before a fracture occurs, while there is still time to preserve bone density. The test simply involves a patient resting on an exam table for a few minutes while a densitometer measures bone mineral density, which is compared to data from others in the patient’s age group. This painless, extremely safe test takes only minutes and is available with a physician’s order. It can be performed by appointment at Park Avenue Imaging.
It is important to have follow-up tests done with the same equipment for the most precise comparison, so please schedule follow-up tests accordingly.