Health Scans
Bone Density Test
A bone density test can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs.
What Is A Bone Density Test?
Bone density tests empower medical professionals to gauge whether a patient has osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones are fragile to the point that they are likely to break. Using our CT scanner, we can generate a clear image of a bone within a specific body site.
All in all, a bone density test takes about 10 minutes or less. You can return to your home, work or elsewhere after this test without a problem.
Why Should I Get A Test?
Bone density tests reveal whether your bones are strong. Many senior citizens receive a bone density test every couple years to pinpoint and treat significant bone loss and also reduce the chances of life-altering fractures.
Meet with our team for a bone density test. The results will give you a sense of whether your unique bones have the optimal level of calcium and additional materials. Such a measurement determines the thickness and strength of the bones, typically referred to as the mass or bone density. As you age, your bones will become much thinner and brittle. If you are a senior citizen or an older adult, it is in your interest to schedule a bone density test at our office.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that can cause bones to become brittle and weak. This can lead to bones easily fracturing or breaking. It is diagnosed with a bone density test. A patient’s osteoporosis will be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent a broken bone. Such a test makes it easier to estimate bone density and the odds of fracturing or breaking a bone. Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed with a bone density test of the spine and hip. This is the quickest and easiest way to determine if the bone mass in your spine, hip or other body site is likely to break. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor will provide recommendations to help protect your bones throughout the aging process.
Risk of Breaking Bones
A bone density test reveals if the patient’s bone density is normal, low or if there is osteoporosis. In fact, this is the sole means of diagnosing osteoporosis. The lower a patient’s bone density, the more likely it is that he or she will break a bone as a result of a fall or forceful contact. However, even patients who do not have bone loss or only mild bone loss have the potential to develop osteoporosis. It’s recommended that those with osteoporosis do their part to prevent bone loss by taking vitamin D supplements and consuming foods containing calcium.
What Age Should I Get A Test?
Women over 65 years and men over 70 years should consider a bone density test if they know they have osteoporosis in the family, experienced a fracture or break from a minor accident, suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, or have a low body weight.
Those who are between the ages of 50 and 70 with risk factors for significant bone loss should also schedule this test. Examples of such risk factors include alcohol consumption, smoking, rheumatoid arthritis, a previously broken one, a parent who suffered a broken hip and even a comparably low body weight.
How Is Bone Density Tested?
Bone density is tested by using our CT machine. Clear images from a scan allow our team to give you the understanding you need to know your risk of osteoporotic fractures.
What To Expect During The Procedure
The procedure does not require any type of special preparation and takes as little as 15 minutes. Simply lie down flat on the table and relax as our CT Technologist scans your lower back and hips.
The resulting images empower the doctor to determine if sufficient bone mineral is present. The level of this mineral (synonymous with calcium) determines bone strength and bony content. Your bone calcium level will be compared to that of other patients to determine if you have low bone density.
Results of Bone Density Test
The results of your bone density test are analyzed in the appropriate context. This means the standard deviation between your specific bone density and the anticipated value for an individual in your unique demographic will be compared. As detailed below, the T-score and Z-score are particularly important in the context of bone density tests.
What Is a T-Score?
The T score is the difference between a patient’s bone density and that of a young and healthy patient. According to the World Health Organization, the T-score is normal if above -1 standard deviation. If the T-score is between -1 standard deviation and -2.5 standard deviation, there is mildly reduced bone mineral density as compared with PBM, short for peak bone mass. If the standard deviation is -2.5 or below this figure, the patient is diagnosed with osteoporosis.
What is a Z-Score?
The Z score is the difference between the patient’s bone density measurement and that of an individual of the same gender and in the same age range. A Z score below -2 indicates the patient’s bone density is less that it should be for an individual in his or her age cohort. The Z-score helps to diagnose secondary osteoporosis, proving useful for kids, younger adults, men under the age of 50 and pre-menopausal women.
If the patient’s Z-score is two or more standard deviations less that individuals of the same age, the doctor will determine if a medication or a medical condition is contributing to such an egregiously low bone density.
How Can I Increase My Bone Density?
Bone density is not static, meaning it has the potential to change. Start thinking of your bone density as dynamic and you will be able to improve it, albeit to a certain point. Most people are surprised to learn women have the potential to lose upward of 5% of bone mass in the six years following menopause.
What is the strongest predictor of bone density? Age and genetics are particularly important in the context of bone density. Though you cannot reverse your age, you can be proactive to enhance bone strength.
Furthermore, you might be wondering, “Can osteoporosis be reversed?” Perform exercises that stimulate the bones, eat a nutritious diet, follow your doctor’s directions and your bone density will likely increase. Let’s take a look at a few specific ways to enhance your bone density throughout the aging process.
Strength Training
An active lifestyle including exercising several times per week is by far the most important thing you can do to bolster your bone strength and health. In particular, lifting weights enhances muscle mass, setting the stage for continued bone health. Use resistance bands, resistance machines, wrist weights and free weights at least a couple times per week and your bones will gradually strengthen. Additional weight-bearing activities such as jogging and even light aerobics will also help stimulate the bones and subsequently enhance their density.
Diet
Focus on adding food that is loaded with nutrients to promote bone strength. Limit your consumption of caffeine to minimize the amount of calcium that moves out of the bones. Salt also poses a threat to the bones and skeletal structure. Avoid grains with sulfur compounds and bread as these tasty yet unhealthy foods heighten acidity and lead to the deterioration of your bones.
Supplements
If your doctor determines you have nutritional deficiencies, it might be in your interest to add a natural supplement. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by meeting with your doctor to determine if adding such supplements is prudent.
How Much Should I Expect To Pay For The Test?
The bone density test can be completed during the full body scan for an additional fee of $100. The full body scan ranges in price, to learn more, give us a call at 918-879-6161 to discuss pricing.
Where Can I Get A Bone Density Scan Near Me?
Craft Body Scan is revered throughout the greater Tulsa and Raleigh area as one of the best local facilities for the CT scan for bone density as well as additional scans and tests. Schedule an appointment with our caring medical professionals.
Scheduling An Appointment For A Bone Density Test
Reach out to us today to learn about our specials. Each of our test prices includes an explanation of your results. You can reach us by phone at 918-879-6161 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule your bone density test.
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