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Osteoporosis
Prevention & Treatment
Osteoporosis, or low bone density (porous bone) is a major health problem for women in the United States. It has been estimated that annually in the US alone, about 300,000 women have a hip fracture, about 100,000 experience a wrist fracture, and about 400,000 are diagnosed with other fractures, most commonly fractures of the spinal vertebra. By the age of 80, 20% of untreated caucasian women will develop a hip fracture, and 15% of these will die within the first six months following the fracture. Hip fractures, and the associated loss of mobility and independence, are one of the leading causes of nursing home placement. Fractures of the spine cause the stereotypical "dowager's hump", a painful and disfiguring condition once thought to be a natural and unavoidable part of female aging.
The good news is that osteoporosis is preventable and the key is detection of early bone loss. I am excited to announce that in 2005 we purchased a state-of-the-art bone densitometer or DEXA machine. Both Linda, our DEXA tech, and Dr. Stone are certified by the I.S.C.D. (International Society for Clinical Densitometry). This test is quick and pain-free and the radiation exposure is minimal, about the same as being outside in Denver for 8 hours. Because our machine is on-site we can offer you flexible scheduling, often being able to perform the DEXA at the time of your visit for your annual or other problems. We accept almost all insurance except most Kaiser plans and Medicaid and will work with our self pay patients. You'll receive results from us within 14 days and we'll be glad to send a copy of your results to your primary care physician. If your results are abnormal, Dr Stone will arrange a consultation visit so that you can discuss whether any intervention with medications is necessary or if your bone density can be managed with lifestyle changes. It's very important to realize that we're not treating a number, we're treating a patient, and decisions need to be individualized to your particular set of circumstances and needs.
DEXA is indicated for the menopausal and post-menopausal female. We will be happy to do the testing for you as a baseline if you are not yet menopausal, but be aware that this will probably not be covered by your insurance. (Patients on high risk medications such as steroids, anti-seizure medicines, depo Provera or depo Lupron may be covered before the onset of menopause.)
If you have any questions about the testing, please call the office and ask to speak to Linda or Dr. Stone.
Below are a number of links that we think you will find useful in preparing for your bone density, interpreting your results, and making treatment decisions.
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