Bone densitometry
"In the Clinica, the treatment of osteoporosis is individualized in each case, taking into account that the objective is to achieve greater bone strength in order to reduce the risk of fractures".
DR. JUAN CARLOS GALOFRÉ FERRATER SPECIALIST. ENDOCRINOLOGY AND NUTRITION DEPARTMENT
What is bone densitometry?
Bone densitometry is a diagnostic test that measures the degree of bone mineralization and is applied both in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis and in the control of its evolution and therapeutic evaluation.
The latest generation of densitometry equipment allows the study of the total body distribution and the determination of the fat and lean component.
These parameters are very useful in the study of patients with obesity, since they allow a detailed analysis of the body composition.
When is bone densitometry indicated?
It is a very useful test that is routinely performed on many patients.
This study allows:
- Diagnose whether or not there is osteoporosis or osteopenia, or low bone mass for age.
- It will measure whether or not bone mineral density has begun to be lost and, in some cases, will require the initiation of treatment.
- Predict the risk of fracture.
- Instituting early treatment.
Diseases in which desitometry is requested:
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Osteoporosis
Do you have any of these diseases?
It may be necessary to perform a bone densitometry
How is bone densitometry performed?
Performing the densitometry
On the day of the test you can eat a normal diet except that you should not take any calcium supplements in the previous 24 hours.
It is recommended that you come with comfortable clothing and should remove metal objects and mobile devices.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should notify your care team.
During the test you will be lying down and should remain as still as possible. The duration of the test is approximately 30 minutes.
What densitometry measures
The densitometry informs us of two values:
- Z-score: It is the comparison of a person's bone mineral density with the values considered normal for their age and sex.
- T-score: It is the comparison of a person's bone mineral density with the maximum bone density theoretically reached by the healthy population in the environment, at the age of 30, when, as previously mentioned, the maximum bone capital is reached.
The measurement informs us about whether a person has less than normal or more and the Standard Deviation (SD) that this implies; the SD is a statistical calculation that allows us to quantify to what extent a result deviates from normal and will serve to decide when treatment is necessary.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Nuclear Medicine Service
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Nuclear Medicine Service-PET is accredited by the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, an association that guarantees the excellence and quality control of the procedures performed in this service. This accreditation also facilitates access to phase I and II clinical trials.
We have the most advanced diagnostic technology, such as PET-CT, which allows us to detect small tumor lesions that were previously practically impossible to identify.
The Clinic is the only Spanish center with the capacity to synthesize and apply up to 18 types of radiopharmaceuticals.
Diagnostic tests we perform
- Bone densitometry.
- Gammagraphy.
- SPECT-CT.
- Cellular markings.
- Perfusion monitoring with TNF.
- PET and PET-CT.
Why at the Clinica?
- We have the most advanced technology nationwide.
- Radiopharmacy Unit with experts and capacity to synthesize the largest number of radiopharmaceuticals in Spain.
- Radiophysics and Radiological Protection Unit to guarantee the safety of our patients and professionals.
Our team of professionals
