Why Bone Density Screenings Are Important

As part of an ongoing series on The Box, NYIT medical experts will share health tips and information about the services offered at the NYIT Center for Sports Medicine in the Academic Health Care Center on the Old Westbury campus. First up: who needs bone density screenings and how these tests help to spot osteoporosis.

Every year, osteoporosis (a skeletal condition categorized by reduced bone mass) causes an estimated 2 million broken bones. Injuries can result in pain and immobility, and sometimes lead to placement in a nursing home. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 54 million adults age 50 and older have low bone mass or osteoporosis. In the next five years, that same affected age group of individuals is expected to increase to 64 million.

The good news is, this disease is treatable. Proper screening for certain risk groups helps detect low bone density early. People who are most at-risk and should get screened include adults with low body weight, those with a history of low-impact bone fractures, and postmenopausal women. From there, a doctor can effectively intervene to prevent pain or injury by prescribing medications and recommending exercise programs.

You can get a bone density screening at NYIT Center for Sports Medicine. Our doctors use a state-of-the-art GE Lunar iDXA scanner, which generates crisp, detailed images. This test takes less than five minutes and uses a low level of X-ray radiation to determine the bone mineral density of the hip, spine, or wrist. With this information, your physician can score how likely you are to suffer from a fracture in the next 10 years.

To schedule your screening, call 516.686.1300. Health insurers often cover screenings for people in the at-risk groups but always check your plan first.

Learn about all medical and health services offered at the NYIT Center for Sports Medicine at our open house on Thursday, Dec. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. Former New York Islanders hockey star Bob Nystrom will be a special guest at the event. Nystrom, who played for the Islanders for 14 years and scored the winning goal to give the team the 1980 Stanley Cup, is an advocate for concussion awareness and treatment. R.S.V.P. for the open house and follow us @NYITsportsmed on Twitter and Instagram for more health tips.