Connally Memorial Medical Center proudly announces bone density testing on a full time basis due to the recent purchase of a bone densitometer. CMMC has provided bone density testing on a part time basis for several years through a contracted service provider.

The medical center has installed a GE Prodigy Pro Bone Densitometer (DEXA) and offers testing Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. “DEXA is a vital tool in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. When left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to spine and hip fractures and become a debilitating disease for those affected, ” states Dr. David A. Golden, Chair of Radiology Services at CMMC. “The implementation of this, now full-time service offered by CMMC, will further improve both men and women’s health in the Floresville area.”

A bone density test is a diagnostic test used to detect osteoporosis or if a patient is at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break.

A physician may order a bone density scan to:

• Identify decreases in bone density;
• Determine the risk of broken bones (fractures) ;
• Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis; and
• Monitor osteoporosis treatment.

A bone density test uses an X-ray to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. A bone density test is noninvasive and a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fracture.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density testing if:

• You are a woman age 65 or older;
• You are a postmenopausal woman under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis;
• You are a man age 70 or older;
• You are a man between age 50 and 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis;
• You are older than age 50 and you’ve experienced a broken bone; or
• You are a postmenopausal woman and you’ve stopped taking estrogen therapy or hormone therapy

Connally Memorial Medical Center is a progressive system of personalized healthcare services committed to being the provider of choice by delivering superior, appropriate care to improve quality of life. CMMC is fully accredited by the Texas Department of Health and offers emergency care, surgical services, home health services, wound and hyperbaric oxygen care, and rehabilitation services. For more information visit http://connallybci.wpengine.com or call Katie Etringer at 830-393-1311.