|
 A full range of evaluation and treatment osteoporosis services, including DEXA scans to detect early bone loss and to monitor therapeutic effectiveness, are available at Saint Margaret Mercy’s Osteoporosis Specialty Clinic, located at the Dyer Campus Outpatient Center. Dr. Manmohan Singh, creator of the Singh Index, a clinical standard for prediction of hip fracture risk, serves as director of the clinic.
While osteoporosis can be treated, prevention and early detection are key to maintaining strong bones. Ideally, prevention begins during childhood with a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, combined with regular weight-bearing exercise. In the adult years, an examination of one’s risk factors, with modifications in diet, exercise and medication, promote bone health.
One of the tools the clinic uses to detect early bone loss is a DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, which measures bone mineral density and monitors therapeutic effectiveness. A technician performs the test, which requires no injections, sedation, or special diet in advance preparation. During the test, the patient lies fully clothed or in a patient gown on a padded table while the DEXA scanner beams X-ray energy from two different sources towards the bone being examined. A computer is then used to analyze the resulting images and calculate bone density based on the amount of radiation absorbed by the bone.
This aides the physician in determining a person's degree of risk for bone-related issues in the future. Because you do not notice the signs of osteoporosis until there is a fracture, determining your bone health early is key to keeping your bones healthy. While Osteoporosis is serious, it does not have to be disabling if diagnosis is made early.
Dr. Singh recommends women get a baseline bone density test at menopause, and men at age 65. Osteoporosis treatments include diet modification, exercise, medications, and, if there is a recent vertebral fracture, kyphoplasty (a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can restore vertebral compression fractures). Kyphoplasty treatment is most effective when performed within days after the injury.
For more information or to make an appointment at the Osteoporosis Specialty Clinic, call 219-864-2199.
To schedule a DEXA scan, please call
219-864-2610 or 219-933-2635
From Illinois:
708-895-1650, ext. 42610 or 708-891-9305, ext. 32635 |