APPOINTMENT GUIDELINES   REQUEST FOR APPOINTMENT   DOWNLOAD OFFICE FORMS   PAY YOUR BILL ONLINE   ORTHOPAEDIC PROBLEMS	What is Bone Densitometry? Twenty-five million Americans have osteoporosis.  Fifty thousand people die each year because of complications related to osteoporosis.  Yet, most of us know little about protecting ourselves from this disease. One in three Caucasian women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis.  A 50-year-old woman has a 40% chance of suffering an osteoporotic fracture in her lifetime. Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. Early detection of osteoporosis is the best way to control the disease before permanent disability can occur.   Bone densitometry is a tool for diagnosing and managing low bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis. The bone densitometer measures changes in bone density precisely, providing invaluable information in the assessment of metabolic bone disease. Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time.  If the patient's bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis.  Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented and avoid possible health disasters in the future.   Examinations are comfortable, fast and safe.  Patients typically spend only minutes reclining fully-clothed on the densitometer.  Radiation exposure is very low (equivalent to 1/20th of the dosage received in a normal chest x-ray).  The operator is with the patient at all times, and results are available quickly. Bone densitomentry is offered at most of our office locations.  Ask your physician or physical therapist at Greater Metropolitan Orthopaedics if you are at risk for osteoporosis and if bone densitometry is indicated.