Osteoporosis Center

The Arizona Orthopedic & Fracture Osteoporosis Clinic is located at our Phoenix office and is managed by Lillian Berry, PA-C. Ms. Berry conducts osteoporosis screening and treatment for patients who are at risk. Over 44 million Americans over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis. For an American woman at age 50, the risk of suffering an osteoporotic fracture in her remaining lifetime is 40%. A history of fracture as an adult increases the risk of subsequent fractures by five to seven fold.

The most accurate way to measure overall bone density is the DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan which we have available at our office. The DEXA scan measures bone density of the lumbar spine and hips. After the test is obtained your results will be reviewed with you and explained. Different treatment options will be discussed and you will get a copy of your DEXA report along with a checklist of treatment options. The scan itself takes about 10 minutes to complete and is painless.

If you think you are at risk for osteoporosis, don’t be shy about asking your health care provider if you need a BMD (bone mineral density) test. Some good reasons to have one include:

Being a woman older than 65
Being a man older than 70
Being a middle-aged woman or man who also
- has broken a bone as an adult
- has a family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
- currently smokes cigarettes
- weights very little(less than 127 pounds)
Having a medical condition known to cause osteoporosis, such as low testosterone level in men, rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal disorders, or certain cancers
Taking medications known to cause osteoporosis, such as glucocorticoids(steroid medicine), thyroid medications in excess, antiseizure medications, and certain breast cancer medications
Breaking a bone in accidents that seem minor
Losing height or becoming hunched over

The following links offer additional information as well as simple risk assessment tools:

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Osteoporosis Center