Fayette Community Hospital has taken a step forward in treatment of bone diseases by offering bone density screenings, the proven means of detecting osteporosis.

Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million Americans. This debilitating disease makes even the smallest accident extremely hazardous, even life threatening.

With newly approved therapies for osteoporosis now available, early detection can lead to improved quality of life.

The best way to determine the presence or risk of osteoporosis is to have a bone density test, which can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs, predict the chances of fracturing in the future, determine the rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment, according to a hospital spokesman.

The most accurate test is a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, test of the spine and hip.

A DEXA unit uses a minuscule radiation dose, a fraction of the amount in a standard chest x-ray, and has a high degree of precision, detecting even 1 percent bone loss. Availability of DEXA machines is normally limited to larger medical centers, but Fayette Community Hospital is bringing this service to the Fayette and surrounding area communities.

Now available at FCH, the bone density study is painless and lasts less than 15 minutes. The DEXA unit reveals the composing bone materials, and physicians compare the content to normal levels. This is an extremely important screening tool, especially for women, said the hospital spokesman. The best time for women to have a bone density test is around menopause, when estrogen production starts to decline and the risk for bone loss increases.

Of the estimated 10 million Americans who have the disease and 18 million more who are at risk for osteoporosis, 80 percent are women.

A bone density test requires the referral of a physician and is covered by Medicare. Phone the FCH Radiology Department at 770-719-7007 for information or to schedule an exam.

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