Special Features of our facility:

As one of the most comprehensive bone density centres , we are able to do the following types of bone density tests :

• Dual Site (Spine and Hip) – routine
• Forearm (if Spine or hip results are unreliable or unattainable).
• Total Body (if Spine or hip cannot be done or the results are unreliable)
• VFA- Vertebral Fracture Analysis.
• Patients with weight up to 350 pounds .(if over 350 lbs, Forearm BMD is advisable)

Preparations:

No special preparations, but if you had a barium test, contrast study or nuclear medicine test, wait one week before having this test.

What does Bone Density Test show :

• To measure the density of bone and thus to assess the fracture risk.
• Bone Density is categorized in to- Normal, Osteopenia(low bone mass), Osteoporosis.
• Fracture risk is categorized as- Low, Moderate, High.

What is involved :

This is a simple test and takes about 10 Mins. You will be lying comfortably on the table on a mattress pad . Common areas for testing are lower spine and one of the hips. The test is very safe and uses extremely low radiation .

OHIP Restrictions for bone density tests:

For High risk patients- Tests are only allowed at intervals of no less than 12 months. For Low risk patients- After initial test, the 2nd test can only done 36 months later. Third & subsequent tests are only allowed at 60 month intervals .

Indications for Bone Density Testing : (as published by Osteoporosis Canada)

1. Patients of any age with suspected insufficiency (fragility) fractures.
2. Women with estrogen deficiency (perimenopausal, postmenopausal, or following oopherectomy or hysterectomy).
   • Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
   • Low body mass index
   • Personal history of bulimia or anorexia
   • History of amenorrhea (>1 year before the age of 42 years)
   • Current gastro-intestinal mal-absorption disorder
   • Smoking history (> 1 pack per day x 5 years or more)
   • Alcoholism
   • Loss of height, thoracic kyphosis
3. Patients with radiographic findings suggesting reduced bone density , such as radiographic osteopenia with or without vertebral deformity.
4. Patients beginning or receiving long-term therapy with glucocorticoids, thyroid replacement, or other medication (such as Phenytoin or heparin therapy).
5. Patients with metabolic & other disorders that could alter their BMD, such as;
   • Primary hyperparathyroidism
   • Primary hypogonadism
   • Hyperthyroidism
   • Cushing’s disease
   • Chronic renal failure
   • In follow-up of organ transplant recipients
   • Prolonged immobilization
   • Conditions associated with secondary osteoporosis, such as osteomalacia, vitamin D deficiency, endometriosis, acromegaly, and multiple myeloma.
6. Follow-up of patients receiving therapy for altered bone mineral density at appropriate intervals.

Contraindications for bone density testing:

1. Recent barium introduced procedures or radionuclide studies with in last one week should wait at least one week before having this procedure (due to its impact on spine measurements).
2. If the patient is pregnant, or suspects possible pregnancy, the potential risks to the fetus and clinical benefits of the procedure are to be considered before proceeding with the study.

Factors that can reduce your bone density (only some listed here) :

Age over 50 for women, age over 65 for men, early menopause, certain medications, use of steroids, thyroid disease, family history, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, bowel disease , smoking , excessive alcohol intake, chemo or radiation therapy, low weight, fragility fractures after age 40 , low calcium intake etc.

Factors that can help maintain bone density:

Calcium, vitamin D, regular weight bearing exercise, minimising of bone diminishing habits, bone active therapy etc. You should consult your doctor as to the best treatment for you.