What is Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that can be described as generalized weakening
of the skeleton due to loss of bone and calcium. This makes the skeleton porous and fragile and
more likely to fracture. People with osteoporosis have a high incidence of fractures, often as a result of minor injury.
It affects 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50.
Why have a scan
Early detection of osteoporosis risk can have a dramatic effect on lifestyle,
independence and future quality of life. A bone density scan can detect changes in bone mass as small as 1-3% and follow up
scanning allows rate of loss to be assessed.
Osteoporosis can be prevented and treated in most cases
Some people are more prone to developing osteoporosis than others.
If people at risk of osteoporosis could be identified and treated, a large number of painful fractures could be prevented.
