Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that can lead to frequent bone fractures, mainly in the spine or hip region. Although osteoporosis is generally considered to be a women-specific disease, it can affect men as well.

A bone mineral density (BMD) scan can be used to measure a person’s bone density. The BMD scan is a straightforward, noninvasive procedure that measures the volume of minerals such as calcium within the bone tissue.

A BMD scan can help physicians:

• Detect osteoporosis
• Determine rate of bone loss
• Predict the chance of bone fractures

How to prepare for a BMD scan

Patients can prepare for a BMD scan by doing the following:

• Donning loose, comfortable clothing that does not feature any metal zippers, buttons or belts
• Not consuming any vitamin or mineral supplements for 24 hours before their scan, as these can interfere with the BMD test results
• Informing the radiologist whether they have had any exams involving barium or any other isotopes in the prior month
• Discussing any possibility of being pregnant

Proper preparation for the BMD scan streamlines the process and allows patients to get their results right away.

What to expect from a BMD scan

A BMD scan can last anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. Individuals lie down with their legs straight. The screening machine scans the bones and measures how much radiation is absorbed by them. It’s advised to scan the same bones with the same type of device every time a BMD test is performed.

Your BMD scans are forwarded to your physician’s office. They’ll review the test report and diagnose your risk of osteoporosis or bone loss. Their thorough interpretation will allow them to prescribe a follow up or treatment plan that’s suited to your needs. Moreover, a comprehensive treatment plan will include measures that optimize your bone health.

TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital is a full-service out-patient facility where its TOPS Comprehensive Breast Center specializes in the treatment of breast cancer. Our physicians choose our facility for its advanced technological equipment, which helps them perform surgical procedures with a high level of care. At TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital, we provide premium pre-operative, operative and post-operative care for our patients, including BMD scans and other diagnostic procedures.

Get in touch with us to learn more about our advanced surgical specialist facility in Houston.