Dear Patient

Every year hundreds of thousands of men and women suffer a fracture of the vertebrae or the thigh-bone.

As almost all functions of the body, the bone structure constantly degenerates and regenerates. The normal degenerative process of the bones begins around forty years of age. This is followed by a slow and progressive decrease of bone stability that we are not able to feel.

The bones get their solidity and stability and thus their elasticity through a structure containing light but firm little beams and a hard external envelope. First the beams are removed and the bone loses its homogenic structure and so its quality.

Early recognition of this problem may help to prevent complaints and fractures with their frequently dramatic consequences. This is especially true for patients with a high risk of osteoporosis e.g. menopausal women.

What does the echographic osteodensitometry tell us?

Nowadays a modern echograph makes it possible not only to give a quantitative appreciation of the bone mass but also to determine the bone quality.

With two ultrasound sonds, one sender and one receiver, ultrasound signals are sent through the bones of the fingers. The received signals are registered by a computer and the patient's individual data is interpreted with the help of a reference table.
This gives the doctor precious information about the patient's bone structure and quality and about the risk of osteoporosis for the patient.

The early recognition and the treatment of osteoporosis are vital in order to maintain and ensure quality of life. It is possible to stop bone deterioration with medical treatment, to build up new bone substance and to increase the stability of the bone.

You can effectively prevent and treat osteoporosis personally by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet.

Advantages of echography (ultrasound)

• no X-ray
• no particular precautions are necessary
• it is quick and gives a good positive indication of risk
• secure and approved method

Reasons to have an ultrasound

1. I already had a bone fracture
2. I have digestive problems and an inflammatory colon disease
3. I don't do any sport
4. My alimentation is poor in calcium and I don't support any milk products
5. I was or I am a heavy smoker
6. There is a family history of osteoporosis
7. I am very thin and I didn't gain weight since the age of thirty-five
8. I have hormonal problems and I am not allowed to take estrogenes
9. My body size has changed and I became smaller
10. I occasionally feel pain in my back