VMH OBTAINS NEW BONE DENSITOMETER

The Radiology department at Veterans Memorial Hospital now has a new bone densitometer that is used to measure the strength and mass of bones. The new machine was purchased with assistance by the Tri-State Rural Health Grant and with funds donated by the family and friends of the late Dr. R.W. Rominger, one of the founders of Veterans Memorial Hospital.
The machine is permanently located at the hospital and is available for testing on any day by making an appointment through the hospital's Radiology department.
Bone density tests are taken to determine the amount of bone mass within the bones themselves, determining how strong or weak they may be. Experts recommend a bone density test for all women age 65 and older, post-menopausal women who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis, all post-menopausal women who have had a fracture, women who are trying to decide if osteoporosis treatment is necessary for them and women on HRT (hormone replacement therapy), for prolonged periods.
The best way to prevent osteoporosis is to find out how weak or strong the bones are before a bone breaks. Local physicians at Veterans Memorial Hospital recommend that all women have a baseline bone density test performed prior to menopause, and one just after menopause to find out their bone mass and what changes menopause may have caused. A bone density scan should then be repeated every few years thereafter. If the readings are low in density, many steps, such as diet, exercise and medications can be taken to prevent the disease.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a bond density test can do the following:
*Detect low bone density before a fracture occurs.
*Predict the chances of fracturing in the future.
*Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if they have already fractured.
*Distinguish spinal osteoporosis from other spinal abnormalities.
*Determine the rate of bone loss if the test is conducted at intervals of more than one year.
*Monitor the effect of treatment if the test is conducted at intervals of more than one year.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that a bone density test is the only way to predict low bone density and is presently the only reliable way to predict the chances of fracturing a bone in the future.
Osteoporosis is termed "a silent disease." Anyone can have it and not even know it. It is a bone weakening disease that causes bones to break easily and affects women and even men of all ages. One in two women and one in eight men will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. Osteoporosis causes great pain, disability, deformity and lost independence.
The test itself is very simple and comfortable. The patient simply lies on his or her back, with the feet elevated and the knees resting on a special platform. The overhead bar moves slowly back and forth above the body, scanning both the spine and the hip. And the machine uses only a very low dose of radiation. The patient does not have to undress for the exam, as long as they wear pants without any metal pieces, such as a zipper.
While similar services are available through a mobile bone density machine, this machine located permanently at Veterans Memorial Hospital is always available to meet anyone's needs.
Appointments can be made for a bone density test by calling Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiology Department at (319) 568-3411, or consult with your local family practice physician for a referral for an exam.