Housatonic Valley Radiological Associates (HVRA) has enhanced its bone densitometry services with the addition of GE's Lunar DXA Prodigy Pro system. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone densitometry is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD), and is a quick and painless procedure for measuring bone loss and detecting osteoporosis.
As a result of the system upgrade, patients are now able to obtain a wider range of scans, such as dual femur, forearm and lateral vertebral scans. Here's why these types of scans are important:
- A dual femur can be helpful in identifying the weakest side to increase confidence in treatment decisions.
- A forearm scan is used in cases in which scanning a primary site is not possible or practical, as in the case of a patient with a hip replacement, as well as to aid in the detection of certain conditions such as hyperparathyroidism.
- The lateral vertebral assessment provides a complete spine scan and statistical calculator to determine risk of fracture within ten years.
Dr. Conrad P. Ehrlich, medical director at Housatonic Valley Radiological Associates, said, "Our enhanced DXA program using GE's Lunar system offers more options depending on the patient's situation and needs, provides greater precision and speed in skeletal assessments, and ultimately helps physicians to improve patient outcomes."
The American Medical Association recommends having a baseline bone density screening for detection of osteoporosis beginning at age 50. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women aged 65 and older be routinely measured for osteoporosis to reduce the risk of fracture and spinal abnormalities associated with the disease. All DXA bone densitometry studies require a doctor's prescription.
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