Patients who suffer from osteoporosis or other degenerative bone diseases will benefit from this state-of-the-art diagnostic tool located at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne.

Using a technology called Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry, or DXA, the bone densitometer measures the bone mineral content and density of specific bone sites, mainly the hip and spine, which are most susceptible to fracture.

Bone densitometry is a necessary part of a complete bone health program, especially for post-menopausal women. Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, making them more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in the hip, spine and wrist.

Bone density testing is fast and painless. It requires no injections or invasive procedures and takes only minutes to complete.

Talk to your physician about a referral for a bone density test. The sooner you know your risks, the better able you'll be to take care of your bones.

Bone densitometry requires a physician order.

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Bone Density Testing Available at Both Thomas Hospital and Thomas Medical Center

Bone density testing has been available at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne since the outpatient surgery and diagnostic facility opened in 1999. In 2005 bone density testing also became available at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, and the machine in Daphne has been upgraded to offer the most advanced technology available.

Bone densitometry measures the bone mineral content and density of specific bone sites, mainly the hip and spine, that are most susceptible to fracture.

"Patients who suffer from osteoporosis or other degenerative bone diseases will benefit this state-of-the-art diagnostic tool," Kathy Linam, director of radiology said. "Bone density testing is especially important for post-menopausal women. Women in general are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, making them more susceptible to bone fractures, especially in the hip, spine and wrist."

Bone density testing at both facilities is fast and painless, Linam said. There are no injections and no invasive procedures.

"There are so many new medications and supplements for osteoporosis, and so much information out there about how diet and exercise can help," Linam said. "It’s a few minutes that could really make a difference in a person’s bone health."

To learn more bone density and your risk for osteoporosis, take the Osteoporosis Quiz in the Health Resources section.