Osteoporosis Testing

What is the St.Vincent Osteoporosis Center?

The Osteoporosis Center offers state-of-the art technology in bone density testing. Located in the comfort and privacy of the St.Vincent Breast Center, the center provides educational information and convenient risk assessment and osteoporosis management.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a significant loss of bone density and strength that affects millions of women and men in the United States. The only way to tell if you have osteoporosis is by measuring of the bone mass through a specialized bone density test. Bones have a thick outer wall that is very dense and strong. The interior of normal bone has a spongy, honeycomb-like structure. In people with osteoporosis, the holes of the honeycomb are greatly enlarged, making the bone less dense. Not only does osteoporosis gradually weaken bones, making them prone to fractures, but the associated bone loss can be irreversible.

How can I tell if my bones are healthy?

A specialized test measures the bone density in various sites of the body. Bone density testing is a simple, painless, non-invasive procedure. The test uses a very small amount of radiation (less than one-tenth of a chest X-ray) to scan the spine, hip and sometimes forearm. The test will measure the bone mass and compare that number with a reference population whose age, sex and racial background are similar to yours. Periodic measurements may be useful in monitoring bone density.

During your visit to the St.Vincent Osteoporosis Center, a technologist will provide you with additional information about osteoporosis.

Treatment of osteoporosis

The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. Adequate calcium consumption and weight bearing exercise by adolescents and young adult women can increase bone mass, which can reduce bone loss and lower risk of fractures in later years.

To schedule your bone density test, please call (317) 338-9595.