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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased bone fragility, with a consequent susceptibility to fracture. One-third of Caucasian women over the age fifty have osteoporosis, with nearly 80% undiagnosed. This equates with over twenty-eight million people. Nearly 1.5m fractures a year are attributable to osteoporosis.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends women have a bone density test if they are:
• Over 65 years old
• Postmenopausal – with at least one risk factor besides menopause or with a fracture
• Considering osteoporosis therapy
• On prolonged hormone replacement therapy
Bone densitometry assists physicians in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, fracture risk assessment and the monitoring of therapeutic response. It categorizes patients as normal, osteopenic or osteoporotic following the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Typically, both femurs (leg bones) and spine are assessed.
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