Bone Density Screenings

Are you at risk for Osteoporosis? Could you already have it? Has it already caused a fracture that you don’t even know about? Chilling questions for most people, especially post-menopausal women who generally are at higher risk for this debilitating bone disease. Studies show that half of all women older than 50 years will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime.

That’s why regular bone health screenings are vital. And why recent advances in screening technology have made such an important difference in helping physicians spot Osteoporosis – sometimes even before it can establish a firm grasp.

“We have the latest technology here to help diagnose and treat Osteoporosis,” says Genevieve Lankowicz, M.D., Medical Director of the Regional Center for Bone Health at Elkhart General Women’s Health Center. “In January we acquired our newest equipment – GE’s Lunar iDXA™ Bone Scanning System – that provides us with remarkably detailed images depicting the patient’s condition.”

Dr. Lankowicz emphasizes that even the most careful analysis of a patient’s bone health – determining the “T-score” that represents bone density as it relates to Osteoporosis – is just the first step in helping a patient deal with the disease. “During the exam, we have a great opportunity to talk with patients about bone health, helping them better understand what they can do to minimize their risk. Our entire staff is committed to patient education. When the patient leaves the exam room, we make sure she knows a lot more than her T-score.”

“Our approach here at the Center is to consider each patient’s overall condition as we develop our diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Is there a family history of bone disease? Does the patient smoke or use alcohol excessively? Are there diet issues, for example, an insufficiency of Vitamin D that makes it difficult to absorb calcium? By taking the patient’s total health profile into consideration, we’re able to help the patient better understand risks and treatment options.”

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all women over age 65 should have a bone density study to screen for low bone mass, and according to Dr. Lankowicz, Elkhart’s primary care physicians have become real advocates of the procedure. The exam itself is simple and painless. The patient remains fully clothed and reclines comfortably on a padded scanning bed while the arm of the scanner passes over the body. The scan itself takes only a few minutes; the entire exam – usually less than 20 minutes.

Following the procedure, Dr. Lankowicz personally examines each scan and prepares a report that includes an estimation of fracture risk and recommendations for prevention or treatment. This report is provided to the patient and a copy is sent to the patient’s physician. Dr. Lankowicz is also available to consult one-on-one with the physician to further explore study results and appropriate care.

For more information or to schedule an osteoporosis screening, please call the Elkhart General Hospital Regional Center for Bone Health at 574-523-2751 or toll free (866) 637-3863.