Radiology Services

Bone Density

Mercy has recently installed a GE Lunar Prodigy Advance, a state of the art machine to help in the detection of women and men that may be at risk for osteoporosis. This state of the art machine is located in the ultrasound/mammography-imaging suite of radiology. If you think you may be at risk, discuss your concerns with a physician. To schedule an appointment call Radiology at extension 5642.

Osteoporosis is a crippling disease, which is growing in numbers each year among older Americans, particularly women. Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent disease” because there may be no symptoms until a fracture occurs; the diagnosis is made at that time. Who is at risk for osteoporosis?

Risk factors which you have no control over:

• Female gender
• Age
• Fair skin (Caucasian or Asian)
• Small bone structure
• Low body weight
• Early menopause either natural or due to an operation

Factors that you DO have control over include:

• Low calcium intake
• Smoking
• Certain medications for long term use such as: cortisone, thyroid, heparin and anti-convulsants
• Alcohol abuse or excessive caffeine
• Lack of weight bearing exercise
• Many over the counter drugs can cause bone loss. For example excessive use of laxatives and antacids can contribute to bone loss.