Parkway Medical Blog

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a reduction in bone density and quality that causes bone to be more fragile and increases risk of fractures (broken bones).  Did you know?

• The maximum bone density of our hips is built by the time we are in our late teens; spines by our early 20’s.
• Osteoporosis has no symptoms, until there is a broken bone.
• 30% of women over the age of fifty are at risk for osteoporosis.
• 6 out of 100 men by the age of 65 have osteoporosis.
• 50% of individuals who sustain a hip fracture do not return to their previous level of independence.

In 1900, life expectancy in the U.S. was approximately 45 years. As that has increased over the past century, we are confronted with the task of improving the quality of life well into our 80’s and 90’s.

Parkway Medical offers bone density testing. This safe, easy test allows us to successfully prevent and treat osteoporosis. The bone density test, called DXA (dexa) is safe, painless, simple and quick. The amount of X-ray exposure is less than 10% of a routine chest X-ray, and the test takes less than 5 minutes. You will be positioned on a table; then an X-ray beam will be passed through areas to be measured: usually the hip, spine and perhaps forearm. You may remain fully clothed if you avoid wearing zippers, snaps, underwires, etc.

Using DXA scanning to diagnose those at risk for fractures, we can markedly decrease fracture incidences, as well as the associated pain and disability.

Ask your healthcare practitioner if DXA scanning would be appropriate for you.