Bone Density

Summary
FAQ
Doctors
Exam Prep
Forms & Related Resources

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density decreases, making bones brittle and prone to fractures. It is estimated that at age 50, a woman has nearly a 40% chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her remaining lifetime. A woman’s lifetime risk of hip fracture alone is equal to the combined risk of developing breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer—and up to 20% more women who suffer hip fractures die within one year of the fracture than those of a similar age who haven’t suffered a hip fracture. It is therefore important to identify those women who are at risk for developing osteoporosis.

Procedure Description

DEXA Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry.DEXA is the most accurate and advanced test available for measuring bone density (strength). Its results are reproducible, therefore allowing measurements to be taken over time showing progression of disease or improvement in bone density due to treatment. Minimal radiation (less than 1/20 of a chest x-ray) is used to determine the bone density of the spine, hip or wrist. A DEXA test is more sensitive than ordinary x-rays, more accurate than heel measurements and can diagnose bone loss at an earlier stage. Safe and painless, the 10 minute DEXA scan is the most reliable test to determine even the earliest stages of bone loss associated with osteoporosis.

Facts

More than 25 million Americans have osteoporosis.
Four out of five of them are women.
Osteoporosis is the cause of over 1.3 million fractures annually, including more than 500,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 hip fractures, and 240,000 wrist fractures.
The direct medical costs of osteoporosis exceed $10 billion annually in the U.S.

Additional Resources

www.nof.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, most often occur in the hip, spine and wrist. Prevention and early treatment have a major role in reducing the risk of fractures from osteoporosis.

Unfortunately, osteoporosis is not often detected until a fracture occurs. These fractures can result in pain, height loss, possibly even permanent disability and dependence. There are a number of factors known to increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
How is Bone Density Measured?

Bone mass can be measured using a simple, painless procedure called bone densitomitry. This procedure uses a small amount of radiation to determine the bone density of the spine or hip. This test can also be used at intervals to determine the rate of bone loss.
How is the Bone Density Exam Done?

During the exam, you will be asked to lie on the table and breathe normally. A scanner will pass over your spine or hip. As the scanner moves, a dual beam of low energy x-ray passes through your body. This produces a very accurate measurement of your bone density. Most exams take about 20 minutes.

Neil A. Ramquist, MD

Diagnostic Radiologist

BS, MD, University of California at Davis
Chief resident in radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine
Member, American College of Radiology
Member, Radiological Society of North America
Native of Wisconsin

Expertise in mammography, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1981

Donald G. Detweiler, MD

Diagnostic Radiologist

President, Raleigh Radiology Associates
Medical Director, Raleigh Radiology Blue Ridge, Cary and Breast Center
Chairman, Rex Classic - 2000
President, Medical Staff Rex Hospital - 1995
BS, Duke University
MD, Emory University
Fellow and resident in diagnostic radiology, University of North Carolina Medical Center
Native of Illinois

Expertise in mammography, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1982

W. Kent Davis, MD

Neuroradiologist

Medical Director, Raleigh Radiology Cedarhurst, Clayton, Wake Forest, and Brier Creek
BS, Duke University
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Internship in internal medicine, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore
Resident in radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Member, American Society of Neuroradiology
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in head, neck, and spine imaging; breast imaging and breast intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1990

Andrew B. Weber, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

BS, University of Pennsylvania
MD, Temple University Medical School
Internship in surgery, York Hospital
Chief resident, Duke University Medical Center
Former Chief, Rex Hospital Radiology
2009 Chairman, Rex Hospital Open
Rex Corporate Counsel
Native of Pennsylvania

Expertise in vascular/interventional radiology and MR angiography
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1992

Julia K. Taber, MD

Women’s Imaging Radiologist

Chief of Radiology at Rex Hospital
BS, Brown University
MD, Duke University Medical School
Internship in internal medicine, New York Hospital
Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in mammography and pediatric radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Society of Breast Imaging
Member, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Women’s Imaging Radiologist

Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, and pediatric radiology

Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993

Mark H. Knelson, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

BS, MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Rotating internship, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
Chief resident, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals of Cleveland
Fellowship, vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded
American Board of Radiology Assistant professor of radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in diagnostic angiography and interventional radiology, nuclear cardiology, and spine intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993

Gregory C. Hinn, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

Head of Musculoskeletal Imaging at Rex Hospital
BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MD, Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University
Resident in radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Fellowship in diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Musculoskeletal radiologist for the North Carolina State University Athletic Department.
Raised in North Carolina

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1995

Gregory A. Bortoff, MD, PhD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

Head of Computed Tomography (CT) at Rex Hospital
BS, Cornell University
MD, PhD, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse
Resident in radiology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Fellowship in abdominal imaging, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Member, Radiological Society of North America
Member, American Roentgen Ray Society
Native of New York

Expertise in abdominal imaging, including MRI, MRA, ultrasound, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1999

Jerry L. Watson, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

BS with honors, Johns Hopkins University
MD, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellowship in abdominal imaging, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chief of Radiology, 67th Combat Support Hospital, United States Army, Germany 1996–1998
Native of Georgia

Expertise in abdominal imaging, including MRI, MRA, ultrasound, breast intervention, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1999

Cynthia S. Payne, MD

Vascular and Interventional & Neuroradiologist

MD, Medical College of Ohio
Internship, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Resident, neurology and radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowships in molecular neurogenetics, vascular/interventional radiology and neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology, Vascular and
Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Director of neuro-interventional radiology, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in vascular and interventional radiology, diagnostic, and interventional neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2001

Tracey E. O’Connell, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BA, University of Colorado at Boulder
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Radiological Society of North America
Native of California

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention and abdominal imaging including MRI, MRA, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2001

Jennifer S. Van Vickle, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

Head of Ultrasound at Rex Hospital
BA, University of Chicago, M.Div and Th.M, Duke University
MD, Duke University Medical Center
Internship in internal medicine, Duke University Medical Center
Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in abdominal imaging and mammography, Duke University Medical Center
Native of Missouri

Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal and pelvic imaging, including CT, ultrasound, and MRI
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002

Gintaras E. Degesys, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BA with high honors, Kenyon College
MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Internship and chief resident, Northwestern University
Fellowship in interventional and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifi cations in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Native of Ohio

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, breast intervention, and abdominal imaging and intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002

Laura O. Thomas, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

Head of Rex Breast Care Center at Rex Hospital
Radiologist Recruiter
BA, Princeton University
MD, Duke University Medical School
Internship in internal medicine, UNC Hospitals
Chief resident, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in women’s and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
Native of Missouri

Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal imaging, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2003

John G. “Jay” Alley, Jr, MD

Neuroradiologist

Vice Chief of Radiology at Rex Hospital
BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program, Columbia University, New York
MD, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Co-chief resident in diagnostic radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
Fellowship in neuroradiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2004

Todd J. Roth, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

BS, University of Texas, Austin
MD, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio
Residency, Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem
Fellowship in abdominal imaging, Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University
Native of Kansas

Expertise in abdominal and pelvic MRI, MRA, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2004

Steven R. Carter, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BS, University of Virginia
MS, Medical College of Virginia
MD, Medical College of Virginia
Internship in internal medicine, MCV
Chief resident, diagnostic radiology, Emory University
Fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging, Emory University
Member, American Roentgen Ray Society, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America
Musculoskeletal radiologist for the Carolina Hurricanes
Native of Richmond, Virginia

Expertise in musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005

Satish Mathan, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

Head of Interventional and Vascular Radiology at Rex Hospital
BS, University of California at Santa Barbara
MD, Medical College of Wisconsin
Internship, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA
Chief resident, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
Native of Raleigh, North Carolina

Expertise in interventional radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005

Andrew G. Moran, MD

Nuclear Medicine Radiologist

Head of Nuclear Medicine Radiology at Rex Hospital
BS, Idaho State University
MD, Utah School of Medicine
Residency, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowships in body imaging and nuclear radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Society of Nuclear Medicine
Native of California

Expertise in abdominal imaging, oncologic imaging, nuclear medicine and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2006

Joshua B. Mitchell, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BA, University of Virginia
MD, University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Internship, Medical University of South Carolina
Chief resident, Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, University of Florida
Member, American College of Radiology, South Carolina
Radiological Society, Association of University Radiologists, Radiological Society of North America
Native of Chattanooga, Tennessee

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2007

Jeffrey Browne, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BS, Boston College
MD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Internship, St. Raphael’s Hospital
Residency, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America and American Roetgen Ray Society.
Native of Connecticut

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008

Michael C. Hollingshead, MD

Neuroradiologist

Head of Neuroradiology at Rex Hospital
BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Internship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Residency, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellowship in neuroradiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Certificate of added Qualifications in Neuroradiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Member, American Society of Neuroradiology, American College of Radiology,Radiological Society of North America
Native of Massachusetts

Expertise in neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008

Jason R. Harris, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

BS, Brigham Young University
MD, Harvard Medical School
Internship, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology
Native of California

Expertise in vascular and interventional and musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008