Osteoporosis

Wing Memorial Hospital provides diagnostic and treatment services for individuals either at risk or who have osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become thinner and weaker over time, thereby increasing the chances for a fracture. Bones in the spine and hip are particularly susceptible to fractures due to osteoporosis. Although women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis, it can affect men as well.

Wing Memorial Hospital offers bone density tests, which is the standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis. The quick and painless test is performed on a machine called a bone densitometer and is very similar to having an x-ray performed while lying down. A bone density test measures the thickness of bones and can detect the effects of osteoporosis. Exercise, medications, dietary supplements, and changes in diet and lifestyle can all help to minimize the effects of osteoporosis.

The hospital also has an endocrinologist on its medical staff who specializes in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Appointments and Staff 
For help in choosing a physician, call 413-284-5365.

Bone density tests may be scheduled by calling 413-284-5241.

To learn more about our staff, click on the profile below.
What is Bone Mineral Density Testing?

The decision to test for bone mineral density (known as BMD testing) should be based on an individual's risk profile. BMD tests are very sensitive and can detect bone loss at an early stage. Standard x-rays of bones are not as sensitive and cannot detect bone loss until bone mass has decreased by 30 percent. Below are reasons to have a BMD test:
  • To confirm of a diagnosis of osteoporosis
  • To detect low bone density before a bone fracture occurs
  • To establish a baseline for perimenopausal women who will soon lose the bone protective properties of estrogen due to menopause
  • To determine the rate of bone loss when the test is repeated over time
  • To monitor the effects of treatment over time to ensure the effectiveness of the selected treatment

Testing is recommended for:

  • Postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis (other than menopause)
  • Women aged 65 and older regardless of additional risk factors
  • Men over the age of 70
  • Adults who have a low-impact fracture 
  • Women who are considering therapy for osteoporosis if testing would change the decision
  • Women who have been on long-term hormone replacement therapy
  • Women and men on glucocorticoid therapy, such as aromatase inhibitors or Depo Provera
  • Diseases, conditions and medications associated with low bone mass or bone loss

Bone density testing is painless. Most often the density of the spine and hip are measured using a very low dose of x-ray radiation. DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) is the preferred technique because it is accurate, cost-effective and quick. The patient usually remains in street clothes and lies comfortably on a table while an arm/bar passes over the portion of the body being measured.