Bone density measurement

Bone density measurement (Bone Mineral Density)

Diagnostic Radiology Department, Vibhavadi Hospital provides bone density measurement services with HOLOGIC's advanced bone densitometer every day. HOLOGIC densitometry uses two x-ray energy (DEXA), which can examine thick bones, such as the spine and hip joint.

Why do we need to measure bone density?

Bone density measurement (Bone Mineral Density)

When people get older, the body produces less calcium (Ca), causing the fragile bones, called osteoporosis. A bone densitometer can check the amount of bone density and lead to the proper prevention and treatment planning.

What is osteoporosis?

It is a condition in which the bones have low bone density causing a chance of fracture. Normal bones have a fibrous structure with a mesh cavity in the bone. When bone is formed, the interfibrous cavity becomes larger, which can cause bone fractures easily. Moreover, when osteoporosis occurs in the spine, bones are unable to stand upright, and it shows abnormal spine curvature. Osteoporosis is generally found in people over the age of 50 and in postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis causes

• Old age

• menopause

• Calcium (Ca) deficiency

• Treatment with hormones or Steroid.

• Family history of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Diagnosis

There are several methods, but the easiest one is using a bone densitometer. We can know the result immediately. Modern bone densitometry tools have details as follows:

• Able to examine almost all parts of the body.

• Spend less time for examination.

• Provide high resolution and precision of images.

• Provide low dose radiation.

Who has to check?

• Patient with abnormal spine condition

• Patient with hormonal problems such as hyperthyroid

• Women with low estrogen levels and menopause

• Skinny people

• People with a family history of osteoporosis

• People with insufficient exercise

What should alcoholism patients do if they have osteoporosis?

• The doctor will explain an appropriate prevention and treatment methods.

• Regular exercise will lead to calcium production. You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and refrain from smoking. Those will reduce the incidence of osteoporosis.

Preparation for examination

• Eat normally

• Inform the staff, if you take thyroid medication.

• Inform the staff, if you take calcium.

• Inform the staff, if you have done the Barium radiographic examination for an appointment.

• Inform the staff, if you have done the kidney examination with contrast medium for an appointment.

• Inform the staff, if you have done physical examination with radioactive substances at the area near the lumbar spine for an appointment.