Lydia celebrated her 65th birthday in the hospital after bumping awkwardly into the kitchen counter. It didn’t seem like a major accident, but it caused a serious injury. She broke her hip.

In the hospital, she learned she had osteoporosis, a gradual loss of calcium that causes bones to become thinner and more fragile. The condition often affects women after menopause – making bone fractures more likely, even after seemingly mild trauma.

Lydia’s not alone. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), about 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone mass. The condition is most prevalent in women but can also affect men.

Physicians at Hutzel Women’s Hospital are using an advanced form of x-ray technology called bone densitometry to identify women who are at risk of bone fractures. As with other diseases and conditions, early detection is the key to preventing further bone loss and fractures.

The NOF recommends bone density testing for all women over age 65. The organization also recommends bone density testing for all women under the age of 65 who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.

“This bone densitometry equipment is state of the art,” said John Pallach, Director of Radiology at Hutzel Women’s Hospital. “This equipment can help detect areas of bone demineralization before they become a serious problem – allowing the clinician to pursue alternative treatment if indicated.”

The bone densitometry technology used at Hutzel – called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) – is the established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).

The bone density test is a simple, non-invasive procedure. “It’s quick and painless,” Pallach said. “The exam takes less than 30 minutes and uses extremely low-dose x-rays, much less than a standard chest x-ray.”

On the day of the test, patients can eat normally but shouldn’t take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the procedure. Patients should wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons or belts. A jogging suit is ideal for this procedure.

During the test, the patient simply lays on a table while a small arm passes over her body. “The exam equipment is open,” Pallach said. “Patients don’t have to worry about feeling enclosed. The table is padded and comfortable and the area is quiet and restful. Some patients actually find it relaxing and fall asleep.”

In addition to checking for bone demineralization due to osteoporosis, the bone densitometry equipment is used to detect bone loss caused by other diseases and treatments that can cause bone demineralization, including diabetes, cancer, lupus, kidney disease and liver disease.

For more information or to schedule a bone density test, call Hutzel Women’s Hospital at 1-888-DMC-2500.

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