Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that can be described as generalised weakening of the skeleton due to loss of bone and calcium. This makes the skeleton porous and fragile and more likely to fracture. People with osteoporosis have a high incidence of fractures, often as a result of a minor injury. It affects 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 12 men.

Early detection can have a dramatic effect on lifestyle, independence and future quality of life. A bone density scan can detect changes in bone mass as small as 1-3% and follow up scanning allows rate of loss to be assessed.

Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated in most cases. Some people are more prone than others to developing osteoporosis than others. If people with early signs of osteoporosis could be identified and treated, a large number of painful fractures could be prevented.

You are at risk if you have had:
A fracture from a minor fall
Early menopause (before 45)
Hysterectomy before menopause
History of infrequent periods
Family history of osteoporosis
Very slender body build
Long term poor calcium intake
Immobility/sedentary lifestyle
Excessive dieting
Alcohol or drug abuse
Smoking
Thyroid problems
Loss of height

The scan involves measuring the mineral content of the bones of the forearm and comparing the results to a normal database.