Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by a low level of bone density and micro damage of the bone tissue with consequential increase of bone fragility and proneness to fractures.
People with osteoporosis usually do not have any symptoms until a bone fracture occurs sometimes even in the course of their normal activities. Fractures of vertebrae, the femur or forearms are some of the most common in osteoporosis. Often such fractures lead to permanent disability and lower life quality. Therefore, it is crucial to detect bone density reduction in time.
The best method for density measurement is osteodensitomery on a DXA densitometer. The measurement is done on the lumbar spine, hips, forearms; however, it is possible to measure the bone density of the whole body.
An osteodensitomery is necessary in:
- people with spontaneous fractures
- women over 65 that have at least one discovered bone fracture risk
- people with the following pathological conditions: menopause before the age of 45, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system, long term use of glucocorticoids, vitamin D deficiency, organ transplantation, chronic kidney disease, Cushing syndrome, gastrointestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gastrectomy), chronic liver disease, medications (carbamazepine, thyroxine, long term use of heparin)
- suspicion of osteoporosis based on radio-graphic examination of the spinal column
- height reduction by 4-5cm
- prominent dorsal kyphosis
Scheduling
To schedule an appointment contact the Marketing Department (+381 18 502 211, marketing.sluzba@radonnb.co.rs). If the patient is already in the institute for treatment and rehabilitation, he/her will have a test scheduled by one of the medical staff.
Bring the following items to the appointment:
- A valid identification(passport, ID);
- Previous medical documentation
- The medications the patient takes as his/hers current therapy and the documentation
- Form INO-1 (foreign citizens who reside temporarily in Serbia)
The diagnostic method is charged according to the valid price list of the Institute.
Osteodensitomerty is done in Staro Kupatilo’s osteodensitomerty unit and in room 20 on the ground floor of the Zelengora Hotel. The examination does not require any special preparation on the behalf of the patient. It lasts five to ten minutes and the level of radiation is negligible. The findings are issued immediately after the examination.