Radiologic Technologist Blog
Low bone mineral density is the underlying reason for fragility fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. However, very often, the precipitating event that results in a fracture is a fall. Therefore, fall prevention strategies play a critical role in reducing fractures. Falls are the major reason for hip fractures. They also contribute substantially to fractures at other sites such as the pelvis, spine, upper arm, and wrist.
All healthcare facilities have a radiology quality assurance program to provide confidence in radiation safety. Quality assurance essentially consists of an organized set of activities and processes that ensure X-ray equipment is functioning properly and providing satisfactory diagnostic information in a timely manner with minimum radiation dose to patients.
Rickets and osteomalacia are disorders of bone that are a result of insufficient levels of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for adequate mineralization of bone. Therefore, deficiency of vitamin D results in soft and fragile bones. This deficiency is one of the most important rickets and osteomalacia causes. Rickets affects children and osteomalacia affects adults. These bone diseases are relatively uncommon in the United States because they can be easily prevented by ensuring adequate vitamin D in the body. However, understanding these diseases is important because children and adults who develop rickets and osteomalacia suffer devastating consequences.
Healthcare professionals should assess all women above the age of 65 for the presence of risk factors that predispose to bone loss and fragility fractures. What are the BMD testing recommendations in older individuals? What tools available to assess risk? How often should DXA scans be done in the elderly? At what site should BMD testing be performed? And how should the results be interpreted?
People of all ages need bone health exercise programs. How much exercise do children, adolescents, young adults, and elderly individuals need? Read on to find out.
Radiologic technologists, specifically DXA operators, must understand DXA scan analysis and some of the algorithms used in bone densitometry. This article offers greater insight into what goes on behind the scenes in a DXA machine. There are also some useful tips to make your scanning more accurate.