Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Screening for a Silent Disease

Darin Eklund, PA-C, A.T.,C
Subhash Sahai, MD

Literally meaning "porous bones," osteoporosis has been called a silent disease. But this silent disease attacks 1 in 3 postmenopausal women, millions of older men, and is the cause of 1.3 million fractures in the U.S. annually. Many of these fractures lead to hospitalization, nursing home placement, or unfortunately, even death.

There are several ways to screen for osteoporosis. Portable devices measuring heel bone density are popular, but should be used to determine who may need more thorough evaluation. New to our community is the Quantitative CT, which uses a CT scanner to assess the bone density. This method carries a high level of radiation exposure and is expensive. The best method of screening is through the use of a special x-ray called a DEXA scan. This low radiation x-ray quickly measures the density of parts of the pelvis, thighbone, and the bones in the back. These areas, in addition to the wrist and the upper arm, are the most common locations for osteoporotic fractures. The DEXA scan is not only considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, but the results of this scanning are the basis for all treatment recommendations. The DEXA is also the best method currently available for assessing the response to therapy.

Current screening recommendations are for all women over the age of 65 to be tested, as well as younger men and women who are at high risk. You are at high risk if you are white or Asian, have a family history of osteoporosis, have a long-standing medical condition, chronic tobacco or alcohol use, or have required frequent or long-term treatment with prednisone. A previous history of fractures may also imply a higher risk of osteoporosis.

Treatment options for those found to have a low bone mineral density range from supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D intake, increasing weight-bearing exercise to taking prescription medication that helps slow bone breakdown. This article was for informative purposes only, and is not intended as a specific recommendation for treatment. If you have concerns about your risk for osteoporosis, or would like to have a DEXA screening test, please contact the Webster City Medical Clinic at (515) 832-6123.