"The most sensitive screening tool for osteoporosis" Your Bone Densitometry Examination is: Fast Painless Easy Accurate

Bone Densitometry (BMD) is currently accepted by the Osteoporosis Society of Canada as being a quick, simple, painless examination that is currently the most sensitive screening tool used to detect bone loss in early stages of osteoporosis. It also is the least expensive and most cost effective method for this type of examination.

BMD uses an extremely small amount of X-rays (less than 1/10 that used for a chest X-ray) to measure the thickness or density of your bones. The exam takes less than 15 minutes.

There are no special preparations, no injections, no special drinks, and no enemas. You can eat and drink normally and take any routine medications. You can also wear your clothes but are asked to avoid belts or jewelry.

Bone Densitometry is a tool used to predict the possibility of a fracture. The resulting measurements of your bone density is compared to what is expected of someone your age, sex, size and ethnic background. It is also compared to what is estimated to be bone density of a young healthy adult of the same sex.

The information allows your doctor to determine if you have osteoporosis and the likelihood of a fracture happening. The best course of treatment can then be determined.

The ability of BMD to predict fractures is undisputed. It is similar to blood pressure predicting strokes and is more effective than using cholesterol to predict heart disease.

In Canada, 1 in 6 women over 50 years old will break their femur (hip), while 1 in 4 will suffer severe fractures in one or more bones. (Journal of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, October 1993)

The death rate from osteoporosis-related fractures is greater than deaths caused by breast and ovarian cancer combined! (Can Med Assoc. October 1996)

Some authorities believe you may be at risk for osteoporosis if you have one or more of the following:

• family history of osteoporosis
• early menopause either natural or surgical
• amenorrhea (lack of periods) particularly in young woman
• anti-seizure medicine for many years
• hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism
• Cushing's syndrome
• kidney failure colitis
• stomach or intestinal surgery
• high intake of alcohol, coffee, tea or soft drinks
• heavy smoking
• low dietary intake of calcium
• European or Asian ancestry

You must be referred by a doctor for a bone densitometry exam. Once we receive the referral, we will contact you to arrange a convenient date and time. You may also call us to arrange an appointment if you have been given a referral.

DC Diagnosticare Bone Densitometry Clinics are located in Edmonton and area at: