Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention Clinic

at Crystal Lake Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

Osteoporosis: What everyone should know about bone health

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of bone strength and density. It literally means “porous bone.” When bones are affected by osteoporosis there is an increased risk for fractures, especially in the hip, wrist, and spine. Osteoporosis develops over many years without symptoms or pain until fracture occurs.

Why is it important to know if I have Osteoporosis?

There are more then 10 million Americans already affected by osteoporosis, and 34 million more people have low bone density called osteopenia. The risk of fracture is markedly increased in people with osteoporosis. After the age of 50, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will have osteoporosis-related fractures. These fractures are serious and debilitating.

How do I find out if I have Osteoporosis

You should see your doctor. Many different doctors can diagnose and treat osteoporosis, like your Internist, Orthopaedic Surgeon, OB/GYN, or an Endocrinologist. Some places, like Crystal Lake Orthopaedics, have special programs just to care for patients with osteoporosis.

They will order necessary lab work and a special x-ray called a DXA scan (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) to accurately measure your bone density. A DXA scan helps to predict who is at risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture and who needs treatment before fracture occurs.

Who should be tested?

You should be tested if you are...

• A female over 65 or male over 70 years old
• Over 50 years old and have sustained a wrist, hip, or spine fracture from a low force injury
• Over 50 years old with a family history of osteoporosis-related fractures
• A current smokers or have history of alcohol abuse
• Have history of long term corticosteroid use
• Your physician has a high clinical suspicion that you might have osteoporosis

What can be done to treat Osteoporosis

Depending on your history and your DXA scan results, you and your doctor can come up with an appropriate treatment plan. A combination of medications and exercise programs can be used to treat osteoporosis, decreasing your risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

This may include exercising, participating in a balance program, taking Calcium and Vitamin D supplements, making diet and lifestyle modifications, and treating the medical conditions that decrease bone density.

There are several medications that can be used to treat osteoporosis. You may have heard of some of them like Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva; but there are others. These medications help to increase bone density and can prevent bone loss. You can learn more about these medications from your doctor.

Fall prevention is key!

Falls can account for 50 percent of fractures. Therefore, even if you have osteoporosis avoiding falls reduces fracture rates and their associated complications. Fall prevention and balance programs are taught in local physical therapy clinics, like Eclipse Physical Therapy. They will work with you on coordination, balance, and strength training.

Having a DXA Scan

What is a DXA Scan?

• A DXA scan is a special x-ray that can accurately measure your bone density. It is quick and painless.
• The results of a DXA scan can help predict who is at risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture and who needs treatment before fracture occurs.
• The scan is most often performed in the hips or spine where people are likely to suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture.
• A DXA scan emits a minimal amount of radiation. It is similar to the amount people are exposed to in the daily environment.

How do you prepare for your DXA Scan?

• Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, snaps, buttons, or clasps to your scan.
• You may eat, drink, and take your daily medications as regularly scheduled, except you will need to stop taking your calcium supplement for 48 hours prior to your scan.
• If you have had a nuclear medicine scan or oral contrast for other medical imaging, wait at least one week to have your DXA scan.
• If this is a repeat DXA scan, try to have your scan done at the same facility as last time so we can compare the results.

What to expect at your DXA

• The test should take less than a half an hour.
• You will be asked to lie still and quiet on a padded table, but you will be able to breathe normally.
• During the scan, the imaging arm of the scanner will pass over the body without touching it. It will record data and send it to a computer.
• After the computer analyzes the data, a radiologist will interpret the scan.

When will I get the results?

• Your health care provider should receive the results, within one week of the DXA scan
• At some locations, you may receive a copy of your results immediately.
• Due to the complexity of the scan, your clinician will want to discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment. Please call Crystal Lake Orthopaedics at 815-455-0800 to schedule.

DXA Locations:

Please call one of the following locations to schedule your DXA Scan:

Centegra Memorial Medical Center
   3701 Doty Road, Woodstock, IL 60098
   Scheduling Phone: 815-759-4050
   Phone: 815-338-2500

Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center
   4201 Medical Center Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
   Scheduling Phone: 815-759-4050
   Phone: 815-334-5000

Mercy Woodstock Medical Center
   2000 Lake Ave, Woodstock, IL 60098
   Phone: 815-337-1546

Sherman Hospital
   934 Center Street, Elgin, IL 60120
   Phone: 847-429-8972