How We Check Bone Health
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we use DEXA scanning – a quick, painless X-ray exam – to measure your bone mass and check for osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.
A DEXA scan helps your doctor:
- Predict your chances of future fractures.
- Determine your rate of bone loss.
- Monitor the effects of treatment if you’re already being treated for osteoporosis.
DEXA scan results can help your doctor design a preventive care plan just for you.
Backbone Fracture Assessments
Broken vertebrae also called vertebral compression fractures, are the most common type of fracture caused by osteoporosis and often don’t have symptoms. In many instances, these fractures aren’t diagnosed, which can increase the risk of breaks in the future. Undetected fractures can have a devastating effect on your health and independence. DEXA scans can find undiagnosed vertebral fractures. Your doctor can use scan results, along with a fracture assessment, to develop a care plan to improve your bone health.
Customized Spine Care
If a new fracture is found, we offer a full range of treatment options – from physical therapy to minimally invasive procedures, such as vertebroplasty.
Talk to your doctor to find out if bone density testing or a vertebral fracture assessment is right for you.
Should You Get a DEXA Scan?
Talk to your primary care provider if:
- You’re a woman over 65.
- You no longer have menstrual cycles and have risk factors such as family history, low body weight, a recent broken bone or you smoke.
- You take certain medicines after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Men over 70 and other adults who have certain medical conditions may also benefit from DEXA scanning. Talk to your doctor to learn more.