Osteoporosis Services

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become extremely porous, which can lead to fractures and vertebral collapse. It has become a major public health problem. It is estimated that in the United States alone, 10 million people have osteoporosis. An additional 18 million people have low bone mass, which increases their risk of getting this disease.

Because there are no symptoms, osteoporosis is also a silent disease. Sometimes the first sign is a broken bone-and by that time significant bone mass has already been lost.

Osteoporosis is a complex disease and there is still much to be learned. However, if bone loss is detected early, your physician has many tools that can help you control the disease and possibly prevent it altogether. The following self-assessment can help you determine your risk:

• Do you have a small, thin frame and/or are you Caucasian or Asian?
• Have you or a member of your immediate family broken a bone as an adult?
• Are you a postmenopausal woman?
• Have you had an early or surgically-induced menopause?
• Have you been taking high doses of thyroid medication or high or prolonged doses of cortisone-like drugs for asthma, arthritis or other diseases? Is your diet low in dairy products and other sources of calcium?
• Are you physically inactive?
• Do you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol in excess?

The more times you answer "yes" the higher your risk for developing osteoporosis. If you answered "yes" to multiple questions, discuss your risk with your physician.

The only way to diagnose osteoporosis is by means of Bone Density Testing. Bone scans are available in many locations, including Tulsa Bone & Joint We have a full table dexa scan available. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis and it is recommended by your physician, most insurance companies will cover this test.

For more information, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation.