Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens bones to the point where they break easily, making even the simplest of tasks, such as bending to pick up a magazine a painful experience for millions of women.
All women over the age of 50, or those who have already reached menopause should talk to their doctors about their risk of developing osteoporosis. Statistics released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation state that the burden of health care costs due to osteoporotic fractures is estimated to be about $18 billion per year and rising.
Bone density testing is fast and painless and requires no injections or invasive procedures. The entire test, referred to as a DEXA scan, takes only a few minutes to complete. During the test, a patient lies fully clothed on a comfortably padded treatment table while the densitometer "photographs" one of more areas of bone. The scanner emits x-rays during the test, but the dose is so low that it is less than the radiation exposure during a typical coast-to-coast airline flight.
Fully licensed and registered radiologic technologists will perform all DEXA scans. Konrad Kaltenborn, MD., an endocrinologist with an extensive background in osteoporosis, provides professional interpretation services for the Alaska Open Imaging Center.
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