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Done Density Scan
Montwood Medical
provides bone density scans to better serve you. There is no longer any need for you, our
patients, to have to travel to two different locations for you health needs. Our
Bone Density Scanning will save you time and money because you will no longer
have to go to a radiology or nuclear medicine
departments of a hospital or a special clinic. We can perform your bone density
scan in-house.
What
is Bone Density Scanning? Bone density is a medical term
referring to the amount of matter per cubic centimeter of bones. It is measured
by a procedure called densitometry. The measurement is painless and non-invasive
and involves minimal radiation exposure. Measurements are most commonly made
over the lumbar spine and over the upper part of the hip. The forearm is scanned
if either the hip or the lumbar spine can't be.
Why is Bone Density Scanning? Bone
density studies of the spine and hip are performed for diagnosing osteoporosis
and following changes in bone density over time. Bone is constantly being
remodeled. This is the natural, healthy state of continuous uptake of old bone (resorption)
followed by the deposit of new bone. This turnover is important in keeping bones
healthy and in repairing any minor damage that may occur with wear and tear. The
cells that lay new bone down are called osteoblasts, and the cells responsible
for resorption of old bone are called osteoclasts. Osteoporosis occurs as a
result of a mismatch between osteoclast and osteoblast activity. This mismatch
can be caused by many different disease states or hormonal changes. It is also
commonly a result of aging. In osteoporosis, osteoclasts outperform osteoblasts
so that more bone is taken up than is laid down. The result is a thinning of the
bone with an accompanying loss in bone strength and a greater risk of fracture.
A thinning bone results in a lower bone density or bone mass.
Who should have Bone Density Scanning?
There is a normal rate of decline in bone mass with age in both men and women.
For women, in addition to age, the menopause transition itself causes an extra
degree of bone loss. This bone loss is greatest in the first 3 to 6 years after
menopause. Since women generally have a lower bone mass to begin with in
comparison with men, the ultimate result is a higher risk of fracture in
postmenopausal women as compared to men of the same age. Nevertheless, it is
important to remember that men may also be at risk for osteoporosis, especially
if they have certain illnesses, a low testosterone level, are smokers, take
certain medications, or are sedentary.
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