Osteoporosis, also known as “brittle bone disease,” is a disease characterized by low bone strength, which makes bones weak and more likely to break (fracture). Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the link between fractures and osteoporosis. Statistics show that 50% of women over 50 will have a fracture resulting from osteoporosis. More than 50 million Americans have low bone mass or osteoporosis; 80% of those numbers are women, while men, although less at risk for the disease, suffer more hip fractures than women.
Osteoporosis is the leading cause of fracture in our aging population. Falling is the greatest risk for fracture but simple falls from a standing position resulting in fracture are indicative of weakness due to osteoporosis. Stress fractures and multiple fractures in an adult over 40 years of age are also indicative of osteoporosis.
If you have had a fracture, you should discuss your condition with all of your healthcare providers to determine if the fracture may be due to osteoporosis.
Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. You are at greatest risk if you’re white or of Asian descent or have family history of osteoporosis or bone fractures. Other risk factors include:
A Bone Density Test (DXA) can diagnose osteoporosis well before someone fractures. In fact, DXA is the ‘Gold Standard’ used throughout the world to establish bone health status and to track changes in bone strength.
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometer (DXA) is a low dose X-ray instrument that precisely measures the strength, or density, of specific regions of the skeleton or the whole body. The test is painless, takes less than 30 minutes and does not require undressing or fasting.
For more information on DXA, please visit Bone Density Scans.
Successful bone health management requires a comprehensive treatment approach for each patient based on risk factors, lifestyle and bone density results. The Osteoporosis Center of IBJI in Bannockburn, managed by Michael T. DiMuzio, Ph.D., as well as our Morton Grove and Des Plaines offices focus on patients of all ages at risk for low bone mass and osteoporosis.
Our DXA technologists are specially trained, certified in bone densitometry, and work directly with an IBJI Rheumatologist to review, evaluate, and discuss results and treatment options.
All IBJI Osteoporosis Centers use state-of-the-art technology with Hologic Discovery DXA Instruments capable of determining bone density in all skeletal sites, whole body and body composition analyses. In addition, each instrument has the ability to perform Vertebral Fracture Analyses (VFA) during the DXA exam. VFA allows for accurate determination of structural deformities within the spine in those patients presenting with significant height loss.
Our 3 north suburban locations are conveniently located and open daily Monday through Friday. Please call us to schedule an appointment.
Find the location nearest you or contact any office for a recommendation on the best physician for your needs. Whether you need evaluation and diagnosis, or simply want to explore your treatment options, IBJI bone and joint specialists will help you find the best treatment path for you.