Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone is reduced.  This leads to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist and hip.  It leads to 70,000 hip fractures in England and Wales.

Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease" because there is no direct symptom associated with bone loss.  In many cases, the first "symptom" is a broken bone. Patients with osteoporosis may not know that they have the disease until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a hip fracture or a vertebra to collapse.

Collapsed vertebra may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis, or severely stooped posture.
Men as well as women are affected by osteoporosis, a disease that can be detected, prevented and treated.

What are the causes of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is caused by loss of bone substance.  This occurs naturally in all individuals of a certain age, but is more marked in women following the menopause.  At this time the ovaries produce less oestrogen and as a result bone loss increases.  In addition, women have less bone tissue than men.  This is why osteoporosis is more common in women than men.

Those at greater risk:

• Women after menopause – especially they had an early menopause or hysterectomy (before the age of 45)
• Men if they have low levels of testosterone (known as hypogonadism)
• People who have broken a bone after only a minor trauma (called a fragility fracture)
• People who take corticosteroid tablets (for conditions such as asthma or arthritis)
• People with a family history of osteoporosis, particularly if your mother has broken her hip
• People with medical conditions which affect the absorption of foods, such as Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease or ulcerative colitis
• People with medical conditions which leave them immobile for a long time
• People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol
• People who smoke
• Women who are underweight or have developed an eating disorder

How can I test for Osteoporosis?

A bone density scan is the best way to determine your bone health.  This scan can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures (broken bones), and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The most widely recognized bone mineral density scan is called a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or DEXA scan. It is painless – a bit like having an x ray, but with much less exposure to radiation. It can measure bone density at your hip and spine. Bone density scans:

• Detect low bone density before a fracture occurs.
• Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you already have one or more fractures.
• Predict your chances of fracturing in the future.
• Determine your rate of bone loss, and/or monitor the effects of treatment if the scan is conducted at intervals of a year or more.

Bone Density Assessment

Brentwood Diagnostic Centre uses on of the most advanced DEXA scanners available.  Our scan is painless, non-invasive and rapid.
One of the advantages of our modern, dedicated scanner is that the x-ray dose you will be exposed to is extremely low, similar to what you would receive on a long distance airplane flight.  However, because of the risks of radiation exposure to the foetus, pregnant women are advised to avoid this procedure.
Sevenoaks and Weybridge Diagnostic Centres do the assessment using their CT Scanners.

How is the examination performed?

There is no need for any special preparation, and you can take the scan fully clothed.  You will be asked to lie still on a padded table, and breathe normally.  It is an open scan, so there is no need to worry about closed spaces.
The radiographer may place special pads underneath or alongside your body to ensure proper positioning and comfort.  The scan lasts for several minutes whilst the arm of the machine passes over the region of your body being scanned.
The full assessment takes approximately 30 minutes and includes a questionnaire about your diet, lifestyle, family history and general health.  The actual scan takes around 10 minutes. 

What should I expect after the assessment?

Our expert radiologists will use the results of the questionnaire and your scan results to produce a report for your doctor and yourself.  This will be complete in approximately 2/3 days.

If necessary, you may contact your doctor to follow up with prevention and/ or treatment advice.  Alternatively, we can arrange for you to see our in-house private GP for further advice and referral onto a specialist doctor.