Bone Density Testing
Bone density testing for osteoporosis is now available in our office. Half of women over 50 and one in 8 men over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis related fracture. New medications make osteoporosis a treatable disease. Ideally, all women 50 or older and all men 65 or older should be tested, however such testing is not always covered by insurers. Please check with your insurance carrier to determine if you are eligible for bone density testing.
Saturday and evening appointments are available. We utilize the most accurate equipment for bone density measurement: Dexa (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry). Please call our testing coordinator at 516-390-2499.
The national osteoporosis foundation recommends
bone density testing for the following individuals:
| All women 65 and older, regardless of other risk
factors (Medicare now covers such testing for some women) |
| All women past menopause who have already had
a fracture, including those with shortening or hunching of the spine caused by vertebral fractures |
| Women past menopause who have any risk factor for osteoporotic fracture |
In addition, the foundation lists the
following as risk factors of osteoporosis:
|
Primary risk factors |
|
History of fracture as an adult |
|
History of fracture in a parent or sibling |
|
Cigarette smoking |
|
Having a small, thin frame |
Secondary Risk Factors
MODIFIABLE
|
A diet low in calcium |
|
An eating disorder |
|
Estrogen deficiency |
|
Low testosterone, men |
|
Drinking to excess |
|
Physical inactivity |
NONMODIFIABLE
| Being Caucasian |
| Being advanced in age |
| Being frail or in poor health |
| Suffering from dementia |
These are specific diseases which also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Please discuss this further with your physician.