Osteoporosis is the primary risk factor associated with bone fractures and deformities. 

Why are broken bones a concern? A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. Spinal or vertebral compression fractures can have serious consequences such as loss of height, disabling back pain and back deformity. Severe stooped posture can lead to cardiac, respiratory and digestive complications, too.

Exeter Hospital offers two types of bone mineral testing:

• DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) which measures the spine, hip or total body. DEXA is the established Gold Standard for osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment. It has a high degree of accuracy and precision, and has been shown to provide an accurate assessment of fracture risk. DEXA testing is offered  by Women's Imaging Services at Exeter Hospital with physician referral 
• Heel Ultrasound (QUS--Quantitative Ultrasound) with the Hologic Sahara, Clinical Bone Somometer. Advantages of heel ultrasound include: no radiation, rapid exam time, small and portable unit allowing for osteoporosis screenings in our community.

HealthReach Osteoporosis Program offers heel screenings, at minimal cost, for caucasian, post-menopausal women who have not been previously diagnosed with osteoporosis. Recent studies on the Sahara suggest that it predicts hip fracture and other non-vertebral fractures nearly as well as the DEXA of the hip. Unlike the DEXA, it is not used to monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment. Osteoporosis education and recommendations for physician follow-up are included as part of the screening. Call 1-800-4-EXETER for more information.         
                                                
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), recommends that ALL post-menopausal women aged 65 and older be screened routinely for osteoporosis, regardless of risk factors. 

The National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines also recommend that younger post-menopausal women with risk factors and post-menopausal women who present with a fracture be tested.                                

Men with certain risk factors for osteoporosis should have a thorough medical evaluation which might include a bone mass measurement.

Bone density testing is only one part of a comprehensive evaluation of your risk factors, overall health status and fall potential.  Discuss osteoporosis and bone density testing with your health care provider.