{"id":1154174,"date":"2024-11-14T08:43:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T13:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/?post_type=service&p=1154174"},"modified":"2025-01-03T09:29:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T14:29:58","slug":"bone-health","status":"publish","type":"service","link":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/services-and-conditions\/orthopedics\/services\/bone-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Norton Orthopedic Institute Bone Health Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Low bone mass, a depletion of the calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your bones, can increase your risk of a fracture. Also known as osteopenia, low bone mass is a precursor to osteoporosis, a more severe weakening and thinning of bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low bone mass and osteoporosis typically don\u2019t have any symptoms, meaning some people learn of their condition after a hip fracture, spinal compression or other broken bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A painless medical procedure that screens for risk of low bone mass and osteoporosis allows you to get treatment, if necessary, to help restore bone density and help prevent a fall or fracture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force<\/a> (USPSTF) recommends bone measurement testing to prevent fractures in women over age 65. Screening is also recommended after menopause for those under age 65 if recommended by their medical provider. The USPSTF has determined that there isn\u2019t enough evidence to warrant screening in men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture (fragility fracture or osteoporotic fracture) is greater after menopause<\/a>, when estrogen levels decrease. Estrogen plays an important role in women\u2019s bone health by affecting the breakdown of bone tissue and new bone growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We perform a state-of-the art bone density test using the bone densitometry DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry)<\/a> scanner, available at multiple Norton Healthcare facilities. Similar to an X-ray, this test is painless and noninvasive. It\u2019s performed by technologists specifically trained in bone density scanning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to make any special preparations for a DEXA scan. You\u2019ll lie flat on your back and will need to stay still to prevent blurring the image. A scanning arm will pass over your body, typically the pelvis and lower spine. The scanner will send low-dose X-rays through your body to see how much isn\u2019t absorbed by tissue such as bone. The scan takes less than a half hour, and you\u2019ll go home afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The test gives a good indication of bone strength and is part of determining whether treatment is necessary. A bone density test won\u2019t necessarily predict whether you\u2019ll experience a broken bone. Some people with low bone density never have a fracture, while others with healthy bones might experience a broken bone. Other factors, including whether you\u2019ve broken a bone in a fall, can influence your risk of another fracture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low bone mass or osteoporosis treatment typically involves medication to slow bone density loss. Bisphosphonates and hormone therapy, to increase estrogen levels, are two common approaches. Exercise \u2014 walking, mild weightlifting, elastic bands \u2014 that puts weight on your bones or provides resistance helps encourage bone growth. Your provider also may recommend supplements such as calcium, an important mineral in bone development, and vitamin D<\/a>, which helps the body absorb calcium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What To Expect From the Norton Orthopedic Institute Bone Health Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Norton Orthopedic Institute Bone Health Program, with offices in Louisville and Southern Indiana, treats bone conditions and provides preventive care for osteoporosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program offers education and support around lifestyle changes that promote strong bones. The goal is to slow bone breakdown, reduce your risk of falling and reduce fracture risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your first bone health appointment will be scheduled with one of our experienced health care providers who specializes in bone health and the treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Your visit will consist of: <\/p>\n\n\n\n