Bone densitometry is an important diagnostic tool that is used to measure bone density. Measurements are very sensitive and can detect bone loss as small as 1%.  It is helpful in diagnosing and determining the degree of osteoporosis. 

It directs the treatment.

It’s cheap and simple.

We recommend that you have measurement of bone density especially if you have one of the following conditions: If you are in the post-menopausal stage, and are not on hormone medication (estrogen),If you smoke, or if you have a personal or family history of hip fracture, bone loss diseases,  If you are a man with Type 1 (juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, or someone with a family history of osteoporosis,  if you show an increase of excessive collagen in urine and high-dose bone content change  if you develop fractures after mild traumas, or other signs of osteoporosis or bone fractures in the spine.

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease with decrease in bone mass and deterioration of microscopic structure of bone tissue that results in increased risk of bone fractures. Calcium loss experienced by everyone causes this disease. The lost bone can not be recovered. However, early diagnosis can be stop the loss. Women definitely experience bone loss due to menopause, but it can be seen in young people and men too for various reasons. 

HOW IS BONE DENSITOMETRY PERFORMED?
A trained and experienced technician puts you on the bone densitometry device’s table. Then starts imaging using the device’s computer screen. The scanner performs the necessary measurements while you are waiting still. The examination does not cause pain or discomfort in any way. It takes about 5 to 15 minutes. 

DOES IT REQUIRE PREPARATION?

No. It does not require any preparation. It can be done at any desired time. Very low amounts of X-rays are used in bone densitometry. For this reason, there is no harm to human health. Tell your doctor or the technician if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. 

HOW ARE THE RESULTS EVALUATED?
Pay attention to the T score. Values above -1 are normal. Values between -1 to -2.5 reflect osteopenia (Mild bone loss) and values lower then -2.5 show osteoporosis. (obvious bone loss)

WHEN SHOULD IT BE DONE? 
Women over the age of 40 should have the bone density measurement. The bone density prior to menopause should be once measured for monitoring the bone densitometry after menopause.