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New technology at ALMH helps in fight
against osteoporosis
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[NOV.
12, 2003]
Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Hospital recently installed a new tool to evaluate bone loss.
Radiology technologists at ALMH are now using a Prodigy™ bone
densitometer to perform DEXA scans, using Dual Energy X-ray
Absorptiometry. These simple diagnostic tests measure the density of
the spine, hip and other bones, which are the most frequent sites of
a fracture.
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"Until now, evaluating bone density
using conventional X-ray systems did not reveal a potential problem
until a patient had lost 25-30 percent of his or her bone density,"
explained Darla Ludolph, manager of the Radiology Department at ALMH.
"Now, in just 30 seconds, this highly sensitive densitometer helps
us identify risk at a much earlier stage. It can also evaluate
response to treatment so that we know whether our therapy is
effective or if we need to modify our approach."
Dr. Maria Laya, a physician at Family
Medical Center in Lincoln, encourages individuals to visit their
physician and be evaluated for a bone density examination. "There is
no special preparation involved for the patient, the exam is very
brief, and is a very comfortable procedure for the patient," she
said.
"Fortunately," Dr. Laya said, "recent
research findings clarify the nature of the disease, and demonstrate
the effectiveness of new treatments. New diagnostic devices, such as
the Prodigy bone densitometer, improve the early detection and
treatment of osteoporosis."
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Darla Ludolph, manager of
radiology at ALMH, performs a DEXA scan used to evaluate bone
density.
Twenty-five million Americans have
osteoporosis. Fifty thousand people die each year because of it.
Yet, most of us know little about protecting ourselves from this
disease. Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient
bone density and follow it over time. If the patient’s bone density
is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be
at risk for osteoporosis. Through diet, exercise habits and
medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented.
For more
information regarding osteoporosis, risk factors and bone density
measurement, contact the ALMH Radiology Department at (217)
732-2161, ext. 160, or e-mail
xrays@almh.org.
[ALMH
news release]
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