Osteoporosis Diagnosis, Bone Density Testing, Prevention, Treatment, & Exercise
DIAGNOSIS
Thin bones are fragile, and more likely to fracture. Over 28 million people, especially women, are at risk for fracture due to fragile bones or osteoporosis. Most people with osteoporosis do not know they have the disease, only 9% of women with osteoporosis are diagnosed and on treatment. Spokane's hip fracture rate is 10 times what it should be. One forth of all hip fractures are in men. Anyone with a past fracture after 40 years old, especially after a hip fracture needs testing with a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test which is the best predictor of fracture risk.
For you or your medical provider to schedule a bone density test, please fill out the BMD order form.
Osteoporosis Risk Factors Include
- Previous Fracture after age 40
- Steroid Medication (prednisone, cortisone…)
- Postmenopausal Women Not on Estrogen
- Age Over 65 Years
- Early Menopause in Women (before age 45)
- Testosterone Deficiency in Men
- Calcium Kidney Stones
- Smoking
- Caucasian or Asian
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Family History of Osteoporosis or Hip Fracture
- Low Calcium Intake, Malabsorption
- Eating Disorders (anorexia or bulimia)
- Sedentary Lifestyle, Immobility
- Weight Loss
To determine your risk of fracture, complete a short questionnaire, provided by the international Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).
Risk factors are important to look for, but a BMD Test as of 2007 is the best way to know your fracture risk. In the future we will have ways to measure "Bone Quality" with Specialized micro-MRI and qCT Scanners not yet available except in research studies.
