The Value Of Bone Density Scans

Physicians rely on bone density testing to determine the strength of bones. These tests are useful for diagnosing patients with osteopaenia, which is minor bone loss. They can also identify osteoporosis, a condition caused by calcium loss that makes bones brittle and easy to break. Certain individuals may be wondering, "How to check my bone density?"

Different types of tests can accurately determine bone density. Many of these tests are painless and do not take a lot of time. DEXA is a quick and accurate test that involves x-ray scans to test bone density.

When Bone Density Scan Tests Are Performed

These tests are used most often to diagnose:

Osteoporois

Spinal deformities

Osteopaenia

Fractures

Elderly females are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis. Some diseases, including liver disease, chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis and endocrine disease can lead to bone loss.

What Happens Before the Test

Before performing these tests, physicians need to know:

The patient's complete medical history

The patient's risk factor for bone disease

Whether the patient is pregnant. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to x-rays because they can be harmful to the fetus.

Procedures

You will have to dress in a hospital gown and remove all jewelry to undergo testing.

The types of tests available include:

DEXA -- This procedure uses multiple x-ray beams to test the density of bones and soft tissue.

SEXA -- This procedure uses a single x-ray beam and is most often used on peripheral areas.

Ultrasound -- These measurements assess the bone's structural integrity. Quantitative ultrasound tests take just a few minutes and provide results in print out form.

What to Expect After the Test

The majority of these tests take approximately 30 minutes. Patients are allowed to go home immediately following the procedure. The physician will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results.

Interpreting Bone Density Measurements

Bone density is expressed as a Z-score, T-score or in grams/cm2. These figures express bone density in relation to individuals in a similar demographic group known as the reference population.

The T-score reference population includes young adults who are the same gender as the patient. Z-scores compare bone densities of individuals in the same age group and of the same sex. A T-score of 2.5 or less indicates osteoporosis.

Complications Associated with Bone Density Testing Melbourne

This type of testing is safe. The radiation dose is no larger than what patients experience on a daily basis in their normal environment.

How Patients Should Take Care of Themselves After the Test

These tests are painless and safe with no side effects. Patients are able to return to their normal routine immediately following the test.

Long-Term Consequences

Patients with osteoporosis receive treatment and subsequent testing to ensure the treatment is effective in maintaining bone integrity. Patients should attempt to have all testing done at the same facility and with the same machine. This will ensure test results are consistent and there are no deviations based on the facility or equipment.

Other Bone Density Tests

X-rays are ineffective for detecting the early stages of osteoporosis. The only time traditional x-rays are effective at detecting osteoporosis is after the patient has already lost approximately one-third of total bone mass. Some physicians use standard x-rays to rule out other causes of symptoms, including bone fractures.

Where to Go for Help

Your regular physician

Osteoporosis Victoria  - Ring (03) 8531 8099

What to Remember

Bone density tests determine the strength or density of bones.

These tests are useful for diagnosing osteopaenia, osteoporosis, and the risk of suffering bone fractures in the future.

Most of the procedures used to test bone density are painless and quick.

Monitor Your Pet’s Health And Environment

Puppies are so energetic, and they tend to slide or slip around on the floors during their playtime.  Chances are you can expect to see many injuries if you have slippery floors and pets.  In addition, older dogs need flooring to get safely get around the house.  They have denser bones and have conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.  Pet owners should take pet safety into consideration when planning their home design, and anti slip floor treatment can help cut down on pet injuries.

Dangers in the Home

In addition to slippery flooring, your home might have other dangers that could harm your pet.  For instance, he could eat or swallow things such twist ties, garbage bags, loose change, yarn, ribbons, strings, wires, cords, medications, erasers or paper clips.  He could also chew on poisonous plants such as azaleas, mistletoe, lilies, philodendron or poinsettias.

Maintaining Slippery Floors

Perilous flooring is one of the main things that can harm your pets.  This is because pets remain inside most of the time and play on flooring that doesn't have the right amount of paw traction.  Floor experts can tell you which products to buy to create and maintain anti slip flooring.  Not only are anti slip floors safe for children and the elderly, but they are also good for pets as well.

They are especially good for young pets such as kittens and puppies because they don't understand how slipping and sliding can result in injuries.  This is why pet owners must consider anti slip flooring for  their home designs.  It is the best way to ensure that children, the elderly and pets aren't victims of slips and falls.



The most protective anti slip flooring has specific benefits depending on the floor's main materials.  This is why you should speak with a floor expert to find out how to best maintain slippery floors.  Take the following things into consideration first:

 Stairs and ramps might need specific types of protections.
 Specific stair parts or areas might need more protection in the form of traction pads, treads or tape.
 All used products must be safe for children, the elderly and pets.

Your Pet's Health and Eating Habits

Pets should have a healthy diet just like humans, but this is something that their owners have to monitor for them.  Make sure that your pet's diet is free of toxins and anything else that can harm them.  This is really important for both very young animals as well as older ones.  The following are just a few important pet nutrition tips:

 Always provide clean water
 Choose healthy chemical free snacks that provide energy
 Ask your veterinarian for healthy nutritious recommendations
 Do not feed your pet table scraps due to possible obesity issues
 Choose pet foods with high meat and low grain ingredients
 If your pet is a picky eater, don't resort to just feeding him his favorite treats
 Stick to a specific food schedule
 Throw out all uneaten food after 30 minutes to avoid picky eating habits
Visiting the Vet and Scanning Bone Density



Going to the vet on a regular basis can help keep your pet from harm and can diagnose potential problems before they get out of hand such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, dental issues, cancer, malnutrition, reduced bone density, hypertension, malfunctioning kidneys or any type of condition that can reduce mobility. This also includes doing things such as getting a bone density scan for pets as well.

As a pet owner, you have to monitor your pet's health and make sure that its environment is safe.  This includes going to the vet on a regular basis, and doing things such as getting anti slip flooring solutions for your home.