Osteoporosis

Carolina Arthritis Associates (CAA) is Southeastern North Carolina’s Comprehensive Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis and other Metabolic Disease of the bone.

The CAA Difference:

Carolina Arthritis Associates introduced Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) bone density testing to Wilmington in the early 1990s.  CAA continues to offer a state-of-the art testing facility and also offers the convenience of DXA testing in an in-office location.  Our DXA interpretations are generated by specialists with specific training, expertise and interest in Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of progressive loss in bone density which results in loss in bone strength and increases risk of a bone fracture.  Early detection, preservation of bone density and diminishing life-time risk of fractures is the goal of our comprehensive Osteoporosis clinic.  Osteoporosis related fractures often involve the bone in the spine and the hip.  These fractures can de devastating and result in poor function, loss of independence and chronic pain.  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will have an Osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime.  Bone health and Osteoporosis care is a long-term investment and requires a partnership between the patient and your Rheumatologist.  Osteoporosis is treatable and in many patients preventable.

Testing

A DXA test is non-invasive and painless.  The test is done in our office on a padded table where our trained technician will obtain images of the lower spine and hip.  You will be asked to complete a simple form which will give us more information on your medical history and current lifestyle.  The entire process is completed in 30-45 minutes.

Risk Factors

We all continue with bone development and increase our bone density until the 4th decade of life.  By our mid to late 30s we have acquired our peak bone density and will start to slowly lose bone year-to-year.  There are several factors that determine who will be at higher risk for developing Osteoporosis.

• Gender:   Women are at significantly higher risk compared to Men to develop the disease.
• Age:  As we age our risk for bone loss and Osteoporosis increases.  Women over the age of 50 and those experiencing early menopause are at highest risk.
• Family History:  Family members with Osteoporosis increase your risk of developing the disease
• Tobacco use:  Cigarette use has several effects on bone health and increases bone loss.
• Medications:  Long-term use of corticosteroid drugs (prednisone), ant-seizure medications, and several other common classes of medication accelerate bone loss.

Treatment

• Long-term treatment will focus on adjusting or eliminating any risk factors contributing to bone loss, vitamin supplements, diet, exercise and possibly prescription medications.
• Medical therapy is tailored to the individual – one specific medication is not the right choice for every patient.  We will help tailor your individualized long-term treatment plan to optimize your bone health.