Scotland County Hospital is Providing the Latest in Bone Health Assessment

Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, MO, has expanded its health and wellness services available to men and women with the addition of the Horizon™ bone densitometry system from Hologic. A bone density test measures the strength of your bones. The test will tell you if you have osteoporosis or weak bones, and it can help you understand your risk of breaking a bone in the future. A bone density test uses a low dose of x-rays in a quick, noninvasive way to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in a segment of bone, usually hips and spine. “I am excited that we can offer another important screening tool to all of the communities we serve. A DEXA scan is a quick, painless test that provides helpful details about your risk for osteoporosis and fractures that your healthcare provider will use to help prevent or treat the disease,” said Deanna Rowland, RT(R)(M)(CT).
May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Osteoporosis is common, serious, and costly—and it can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures, typically in the wrist, hip, and spine. Often called a silent disease because bone loss occurs without symptoms, people may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden bump or fall causes a fracture.

Bone density scans are often used to diagnose or assess risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a growing healthcare crisis affecting millions of women and men worldwide. The healthcare costs associated with osteoporosis are staggering, and the effect on a patient’s quality of life can be devastating. Only about 10% of women over the age of 65 have normal bone mass. A majority of American women with osteoporosis are undiagnosed (and therefore untreated). Fortunately, osteoporosis is detectable and treatable and testing is safe and non-invasive. A bone density test does not hurt and you do not need to do anything to prepare for it. It only takes about 15 minutes

Women are at higher risk for weak bones than men, and the risk increases with age. If you are a woman age 65 or older, schedule a bone density test. If you are a woman age 64 or younger and you have gone through menopause, ask your doctor if you need a bone density test. Men can get weak bones, too. If you are a man over age 65 and you are concerned about your bone strength, talk with your doctor or nurse.

Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce or prevent fractures. Medicare provides coverage of bone mass measurement for certain eligible beneficiaries. This important benefit can aid in the early detection of osteoporosis before fractures happen, provide a precursor to future fractures, and determine the rate of bone loss.

Please call the Scotland County Hospital Radiology Department to answer your questions about our new bone density machine 660-465-8511.