International Health Partnership

Archive for the ‘Osteoporosis’ Category

Why explore certain areas?

Some areas of exploration are more appropriate in certain patients. For example, examination of the hips is the best predictor of these fractures, but some patients can not take the position needed to do it.

The exploration of the wrist is quick and accurate, but can not be applied to patients who have previously suffered fractures of both wrists, or are suffering from certain types of arthritis. The exploration of the spine provides unreliable results in people over 60 years, and in those abnormally thick or thin. Read the rest of this entry »

What are the tests for bone density analysis?

The bone density tests measure the amount of bone in a specific area of ​​the body, usually in the bottom of the spine, hip, wrist or heel. Doctors use this test to evaluate the possibility of future bone fractures and to decide whether to prescribe a treatment.

What can be observed in these tests?

The bone analysis to predict the overall risk of fractures in the future. The amount of bone measured by the scanner is often called “bone density”. Like your height, bone density differs among individuals, but the lower the density the higher the risk of fracture. This test is much more useful to evaluate bone density x-rays, which can be misleading. Read the rest of this entry »