Damian OnLine
The ultrasound densitometry (also called a bone mineral density test) is a screening for osteopenia and osteoporosis intended to assess the risk of occurrence on the basis of bone mineral density. Due to its nature, a densitometric examination must be performed before the classic DXA densitometry which involves bone neck, e.g. thigh, wrist, forearm.
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
Osteoporosis is a skeleton systemic disease which manifests itself through increased bone fracture risk as a result of reduced mechanical resistance (depending on the bone density and bone tissue quality). The disorder is sustained by women who have gone through menopause and elderly men but may also result from pathological conditions or taking some medicaments.
The osteoporosis development risk factors are presented below:
- Female sex,
- Old age,
- Family predisposition,
- BMI <18kg/m2 ,
- Shortage of sexual hormones,
- Inconsiderable supply of calcium
- Protein shortages,
- Smoking tobacco,
- Alcoholism,
- Extensive consumption of coffee,
- Sedentary lifestyle,
- Diseases such as hyperparathyroidism, adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and hyperthyrodoism, type 1 diabetes, digestion and absorption disorders, enteritis, chronic liver diseases with cholestasi, RZS, ZZSK, ŁZK, POChP,
- medicaments – most frequently glucocorticosteroids.
In accordance with the recommendations, the screening of density for osteopenia/osteoporosis must be attended by every woman who has turned 50 years of age and man who has turned 65.
ULTRASOUND DENSITOMETRY IN WARSAW – NOW AVAILABLE
The ultrasound densitometry in Warsaw available in the Damian Hospital serves to diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia. This diagnostic examination is performed with the use of OsCare Sono device. The equipment measures a speed of low-frequency sound wave (200kHz) propagation in the radial bone. It is a patented bidirectional measurement (the head has a few ultrasound wave emission and readout points) and a special algorithm which allows exclusion of soft tissue effect. Due to lack of X-ray radiation, the ultrasound densitometry may be repeated many times – you do not need to worry about your safety and health.
The examination results are presented in the form of the printout which shows values for T-score and Z-score. Based on the ultrasound densitometry result and as a result of other risk factors, a doctor may decide to expand the diagnostics to include a classic DXA densitometry (with the use of X-ray radiation). If this is the case, necks of the bones exposed to frequent fractures are examined, e.g. thigh bone neck. Thanks to the result of ultrasound densitometry examination, it is possible to treat osteoporosis properly.
DENSITOMETRIC EXAMINATION – FOR WHOM?
The ultrasound densitometry is intended for adult patients only. The examination applies to a radial bone, not to a thighbone. It does not require any preparation or specialist referral. The examination result is a basis for further diagnostics or allows treating osteoporosis on a case-by-case basis.
The Damiana Hospital invites you for non-invasive and painless diagnostic screening for osteoporosis and osteopenia. Arrange a densitometric examination now.
