BONE DENSITOMETRY OF THE SPINE, HIP AND/OR WRIST

The Horizon bone density machine has a software program to assess trabecular bone score (TBS). This is relatively new software that is not available on every bone density machine.

TBS provides additional results that can be used to predict fracture risk by assessing the bone architecture or bone quality. The bone quality, when used in conjunction with the bone density provides a much more detailed picture of your bone health. The information is obtained from your spine scan, so there is no additional procedure or radiation exposure.

Your bone density examination is a very simple medical examination. All it requires is for you to lie still and let the bone densitometer do all the work. Most people have questions and concerns about medical procedures. Most of these questions will be answered here for you. The bone density technician can answer any further questions that you may have when you arrive for your appointment.

There is absolutely no pain associated with the bone densitometry examination.

Bone densitometry uses a very low dose of radiation. Two scans are usually performed. One scan delivers less than 1/10 the dose of a chest x-ray. The amount of radiation that you receive during the entire procedure is about the same amount that you would receive on an airplane flight from Saskatoon to the east coast.

There is no restriction on what you should or should not wear. We will have you remove all of your clothing, except for undergarments and socks (bras will need to be removed because of the hooks). You will be given a gown to wear for the procedure. This ensures that nothing gets in the way of the scan.

The whole examination should take no longer than ten to fifteen minutes.

No special preparation is required. If you have a diagnostic test that requires contrast material (barium enema, barium swallow) within 1 month prior to your appointment, let us know, as this may interfere with your tests.

If you require assistance in mobility, changing into a gown, or getting on/off an examination table, we ask that you bring someone with you to your appointment. If not, our staff will help you to the best of our abilities.

The bone densitometer will measure your bone mineral density (BMD).

If this is your fist examination, it will compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age and sex. Your physician will use this information to make a diagnosis about your bone health and fracture risk.

If this is a follow up examination, new results will be compared to the first test that you had performed. It will compare your new result to any of your previous test results. This will tell us whether your bone density has increased or decreased. Your physician will use this information to determine what, if any, treatment should be prescribed or if your current treatment is working.

Lie still. Breathe normally. Rest comfortably.

There is no dietary preparation for this examination.