Norlanco Outpatient Center
424 Cloverleaf Road,
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Phone: (717) 544-3759

Kissel Hill Outpatient Center
51 Peters Road,
Lititz, PA 17543

Phone: (717) 544-3759

Hours:

Main Office

• Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: Closed

Satellite Locations

Days/times vary

Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis

The Osteoporosis Testing Facility was established to assist in clinical treatment decisions by providing the referring physician with precise data on the patient's bone mineral density status, create programs to enhance diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and to enhance the general public's knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis.

Services Provided

• Quantitative Ultrasound (Sahara) – An ultrasound at the heel is used as a tool to decide who needs further evaluation by DEXA (Dual Energy x-ray Absorptiometry).
• Bone Mineral Density/DXA Scans – A low-dose x-ray performed on the lumbar spine and hip. Forearm measurement is also available if indicated. This bone density scan will assist in fracture risk assessment and is most reliable for follow-up. Currently many insurance companies, including Medicare cover bone density testing for certain indications.
• Consultation with Physician for Osteoporosis Evaluation – Rheumatologists at Arthritis and Rheumatology Specialists are certified in Bone Densitometry and interpret your bone density scan. Our intent is to work with the referring physician to carry out an osteoporosis prevention and treatment program as appropriate. Your ordering physician might choose to have you make an appointment with one of our rheumatologists for a consultation.

Osteoporosis, The Silent Disease

Osteoporosis and associated fractures can rob you of your mobility and your independence. Osteoporosis is a disease that reduces the strength of your bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. Approximately 54% of women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis and are at risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture. A woman's risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer – and up to 24% of women who suffer hip fractures die within one year of the fracture.

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests, such as DXA scans, use small amounts of radiation to determine the density of the spine, hip and wrists. Your results are compared with the average bone mineral density of healthy young adults of your sex. This information can help your doctor diagnose osteoporosis or assess your risk for developing osteoporosis in the future.

Reasons for BMD Testing

Your doctor may recommend a BMD test to:

• Help confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis before a fracture occurs
• Detect low bone mass before osteoporosis develops
• Monitor the effects of treatment on bone density over time (e.g., at intervals of at least 12 to 24 months)

Physicians recommend bone density testing for many different types of patients, including postmenopausal women with risk factors for osteoporosis who have never been on therapy for osteoporosis, patients taking steroid medication, patients with hyperthyroidism and patients who have had a fracture in which osteoporosis is suspected.

Early diagnosis can make a difference

With the results of your bone density test, you and your doctor can determine what lifestyle changes or treatment measures should be taken, or if additional tests are appropriate. If osteoporosis is diagnosed, treatments are available that can increase bone density and reduce the risk of fracture.

How is a bond density test done?

Depending on the type of equipment your doctor selects to measure your bone density, you may be asked to lie on a table while a moveable arm passes over the area to be tested (for example, the spine, hip or wrist). Or, you may simply place your heel into another type of instrument while you remain seated. All of the technologies are accurate, simple, painless and noninvasive, and all the tests are completed in a short period of time.

Is a bone density test the same as a bone scan?

No. A bone scan is a procedure requiring an injection of radioactive material. A bone density test is faster and requires no special preparatory drinks, medications or injections. A bone density test provides different information than a bone scan.

How much radiation will I be exposed to?

In most cases, your radiation exposure will be a fraction of what you would receive from a standard chest x-ray. As with any medical procedure, be sure to inform your physician if you are pregnant.

How long do the tests take?

Tests of areas commonly measured, such as the spine, forearm or hip, can take 2-5 minutes each.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing, preferably without buttons, buckles or zippers.

If you are postmenopausal, ask your doctor if a bone density test would be of value to you.

Women who are postmenopausal are at risk for osteoporosis. The presence of any one of these factors can add to your risk:

• Age (bone loss increases with advancing age)
• Inactive lifestyle
• Thin or small build
• Previous fracture
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Early menopause (before age 45)
• Smoking
• Caucasian/Asian race*
• Certain medications (including steroids and thyroid hormone)
• Inadequate calcium intake