Screen My Bones
Osteoporosis often goes undetected – until it is too late. Millions of people are affected by this insidious bone loss without even realising it. Now is the right time to measure your bone density and take targeted preventive measures. #FIGHTOSTEOPOROSIS
What is the Screen My Bones bone density measurement?
Bone density measurement is the first step towards gaining more clarity about your bones. Using state-of-the-art technology – X-ray (DEXA measurement) or ultrasound – density and stability are measured, usually in the lumbar spine or femoral neck. This allows early detection of osteoporosis or its precursor, osteopenia, so that you can take timely action.
This is how bone density measurement works at BIOGENA:
1) Determination of bone density
Bone density is determined using state-of-the-art precision equipment in a completely painless process. To do this, the bones are exposed to waves above the audible frequency range (ultrasound, no X-rays!). The result is available immediately after the measurement. The bone density measurement is completely painless and radiation-free, is carried out comfortably while lying down and takes about 10 minutes.
2) Discussion of the results
The fully automated evaluation of your bone density results will be given to you in writing immediately after the measurement.
3) Advice on bone nutrition with micronutrients
An important first step is to supply the bones with sufficient specific micronutrients.
Would you like to have an Echolight® bone density measurement carried out at BIOGENA or one of our partners?
Important note: The measurement does not constitute a medical diagnosis, but provides an objective measurement result for assessing bone density. A medical examination and interpretation of the results is recommended if the values are abnormal.
Measuring bone density at an early stage: when does it make sense to measure bone density?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is often only detected at an advanced stage, for example through bone fractures or rapid loss of height. Those who are aware of their bone health at an early stage can slow down natural bone loss through preventive measures. An important risk factor for osteoporosis is low peak bone mass, which is reached between the ages of 25 and 30. An early measurement of bone density can therefore provide valuable information about your bone health.
Learning: Those who know their bone density at a young age have a clear advantage, as they can take preventive measures early on to maintain bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Bone density measurement values & their classification
The T-score is used to assess bone density. This value indicates how much a person's measured bone density deviates from the average bone density of young, healthy adults of the same sex aged 30. The following table shows the valid classification of the WHO (World Health Organisation):
|
T-Score |
Classification |
| Higher than or equal to -1 | Normal bone density |
| -1 bis -2,5 | Osteopenia (=pre-stage of osteoporosis) |
| -2.5 or lower | Osteoporosis |
What are you waiting for? The sooner you know your bone density, the better you can take precautions now! Take advantage of this opportunity and book your appointment for a bone density measurement with Echolight® at BIOGENA – quick, easy and radiation-free. If the results are abnormal, you can talk to a doctor straight away and discuss how to proceed. Because strong bones mean a strong life.
FAQs
The bone density measurement is carried out in a completely relaxed state while lying down. The density of the bone is measured in a completely pain-free procedure either by X-ray radiation (DXA method) or by radiation-free ultrasound (Echolight®).
A bone density measurement takes about 30 minutes at BIOGENA and consists of a ten-minute measurement and a subsequent discussion with recommendations for general lifestyle interventions. In addition, we recommend consulting a doctor.
In the case of osteoporosis, there is a right every five years to a bone density measurement (DXA scan) paid for by the health insurance fund, and earlier in justified exceptional cases. Private scans, for example in BIOGENA facilities, are of course possible more often. How often a bone density measurement should be performed depends on the personal situation (e.g. risk factors, actual state of the bones) and should best be discussed with the specialist staff on site. In the context of osteotherapy, a measurement every 6-12 months makes sense, since it takes a certain time for the bone condition to change.
Today, modern DXA instruments only emit a low radiation exposure, which is not associated with any risks or side effects. If you would like to avoid radiation altogether, you can use the Echolight® bone density measurement, which uses ultrasound.
No! It is not necessary to fast for a bone density measurement.
Any clothing can be worn for a bone density measurement. This also does not have to be taken off during the scan. However, all metallic objects must be removed during a DXA measurement.
No special preparatory measures are necessary before a bone density measurement.
References:
Berufsverband Deutscher Internistinnen und Internisten. 2023. https://www.internisten-im-netz.de/krankheiten/osteoporose/ursachen/, Access: 28.9.2023.
Papadopoulou S.K., et al. 2021. Exercise and Nutrition Impact on Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia-The Incidence of Osteosarcopenia: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 16;13(12):4499. doi: 10.3390/nu13124499.
McCloskey, E. 2011. Preventing osteoporotic fractures in older people. Practitioner. 255(1736):19-22, 2-3.
Aktion Gesunde Knochen (ein Projekt der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Gesundheit), 2023. https://www.aktiongesundeknochen.at/osteoporose-rund-um-die-welt-europa/, Access: 28.9.2023.
DocCheck Flexikon, 2023. https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Juvenile_Osteoporose, Access: 28.9.2023.
Bundesministerium für Soziales, Gesundheit, Pflege und Konsumentenschutz. https://www.gesundheit.gv.at/leben/umwelt/radiokativitaet/strahlenbelastung.html, Access: 16.9.2024.
