BONE DENSITY SCAN (DXA)
For Osteoporosis/Fracture Risk

Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bone densitometry, is used to measure bone loss. DXA measures the density (solidness) on the lower spine and hips.

DXA scans are most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men. All post menopausal women should be scanned at least once every five years. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, as well as structural changes, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break.

The DXA test can also assess an individual's risk for developing fractures. The risk of the fracture is affected by age, body weight, history of prior fractures, family history of osteoporotic fractures and life style issues such as cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

The Nicolet Medical and Dental Clinic in conjunction with the Bellin Bone Density Mobile Unit will be offering these bone density scans. The mobile unit will be at the clinic on these days: