Focus On Technology: Dexascan
Here’s good news for men and women over age 50 in the fight against osteoporosis. A state-of-the-art technology called Dexascan is now available to diagnosis this all-too common disease.
Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones. If left untreated, it can lead to bone fractures, especially of the hip, spine or wrist. An estimated 44 million Americans are at risk for the disease, which affects 55 percent of men and women ages 50 and older.
A Dexascan is one of the most accurate ways to measure bone density, which is used to diagnose osteoporosis. In less than 10 minutes, this safe, painless, non-invasive procedure uses a low dose of X-ray radiation (about 1/10 of the amount used for a chest X-ray) to measure the quantity and quality of the material inside your bones.
Bone loss can occur for many years without showing any signs or symptoms until a fracture occurs. That’s the reason osteoporosis is often called the “Silent Disease” and why it’s so important to have a bone density test, especially for women who are 65 and older. Postmenopausal women under the age of 65 should also be tested if they have one or more risk factors. Talk to your OB/GYN or personal physician to see if you need to schedule a bone density test.
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