Osteoporosis/Bone Health
Bone is living tissue; it’s constantly changing, with new bone replacing older bone. However, when the body fails to form enough new bone, bone density diminishes, fracture risk increases and conditions like osteoporosis may develop. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. It’s is a chronic, progressive disease in which bone mass deteriorates — often in the spine, hip or wrist —and becomes brittle. The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk and strengthen your bones even if you’ve already developed osteoporosis or osteopenia. At OPA, our bone health specialists offer education and consultation, evaluation, and treatments that range from basic nutrition and exercise plans to injectable medicine.
Bone Health Services
- Bone health consultations & screenings
- Post-fracture treatment
- Pre-surgical bone health evaluations
- Osteoporosis and osteopenia treatment & monitoring
- In-house bone densitometry
- In-house lab draws for established patients
- In-house infusion for Reclast® (Zoledronic acid)
- Prolia and Evenity Injections
Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as a “bone scan” or “densitometry screening,” a DEXA scan is a test that shows the density or strength of your bones. The report gives your health care provider insight into how much of a risk you have for broken bones in the future. The scan is similar to an x-ray and takes about 15 minutes.
Call the Anchorage Arthritis Foundation at 907-277-2784 or toll-free, 1-888-391-9389. Or visit these trusted sources:
Both men and women should have their bone density tested — at age 65 (women) and age 70 (men). Younger folks should be tested if they have risk factors or symptoms such as a broken bone, rheumatoid arthritis, a parent who had a broken hip or a history of smoking, heavy drinking, or long-term use of corticosteroid drugs.
People can have osteoporosis or thinning, weakening bones and not know it. There are no warning signs or symptoms prior to a person suffering a broken bone. Knowing the health of your bones is important to help prevent fractures and slow the loss of bone mass. A DEXA scan is often the first step. There is no need for referral from a primary care provider; you can call OPA directly to schedule a DEXA scan and/or a consultation with our bone health specialist.
