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A simple non invasive procedure to determine the bone density of an individual.
- Having a bone density scan
- Information obtained from this procedure
Having a bone density scan
This is a non-invasive, pain free procedure, which uses a small amount of radiation to perform the analysis of bone density. It produces minor inconvenience to the woman. There is no need to undress for the procedure, although it is important to ensure that the clothing worn is relatively free of metal zips, fasteners or buttons. It is worth avoiding wearing an underwired bra and removing any jewellery in the area being scanned (hip & spine) eg from body piercing.
The woman will need to lie on her back on the scanning table. For the spinal scan she may be asked to elevate her legs on a cushion. The hip scan involves positioning both legs flat on the table and slightly rotating the leg, with the foot secured to a positioner. Dependent upon the type of machine performing the scan the whole procedure itself will take from a couple to 20 minutes to carry out.
Figure 1
Information obtained from this procedure
An individual's bone density, usually from two sites the hip & spine, is assessed during this procedure. The computer compares the data from the individual being scanned to a like population, both as that population is now and as they would have been as young adults. The determination of a 'like' population uses individuals that are of the same age, gender, ethnicity, height & weight. In this way it is possible to assess whether the individual's bones who is being scanned can be classified within the above, below or normal range for bone density.
If a scan is carried out around the time of the menopause it will provide an insight into how an individuals genetic inheritance, health & lifestyle factors have affected their bone density. It also then provides the baseline reading against which all future scans can be compared. In this way those women who did not opt for treatments such as hormone replacement therapy can monitor the evolution of their bone loss over time. Whilst those women who have opted for prescribed medication specifically for maintaining or improving their bone health, will be able to monitor, with their clinician, the effectiveness or otherwise of the adopted therapy options. The results obtained from this procedure can also enable clinicians to assess an individual woman's future risk of fracture.
Bone density scanning is an invaluable tool, enabling women to make menopause management decisions from a more rational and meaningful viewpoint.
Figure 2
Figure 3
NB Newer methods of determining an individuals risk of osteoporosis have & are still being developed. These methods use ultrasound scanners, when the bone density at one site such as the heel is made. These machines are considerably cheaper than the established bone density scanners, unfortunately the data obtained from the current ultrasound scanners is not considered to offer a totally accurate and detailed assessment of an individual's risk. These scanners should be considered as useful adjuncts to questionnaires & a knowledge of an individuals past and current health status in determining the risk of osteoporosis. Having established the degree of risk should then mean that those at high and possible medium risk are referred on for the 'proper' bone density scan.
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