The most significant danger is fractures, particularly wrist, vertebrae (spine) and hip. Each fracture, particularly with age, will cause significant problems not only with management and treatment but also have a significant effect on mortality and independence.

These fractures, particularly hip fractures have a high mortality/morbidity rate with most requiring hospitalisation/surgical repair and are often the final event that can force the elderly into aged care facilities.

This adds an additional burden on our already overwhelmed health system.

The earlier that preventative steps or treatment is undertaken the greater the benefit because once damage is done, lost bone is not easily restored.

Education and awareness are the best ways of preventing or slowing down the progression as well as complications from osteoporosis.

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The most important process in education is to continue to promote and encourage a community awareness of this unfortunate and silent disease. 

Regrettably by the time a fracture occurs the disease may be well established, making it far more expensive and resource draining on the health system in relation to management and treatment as opposed to promoting prevention and awareness.

There are two clinical and Medicare approved methods for diagnosis of osteoporosis, DEXA or CT scanning.  Ultrasound of the heel is not as diagnostically accurate or reproducible. 

Southern Bone Density Services was established in 2013 and are proud to provide the highest quality scanning with up to date software and hardware in the Illawarra. Southern Bone Density was the first in the Illawarra to utilise this technology as they have recognised its relevance with regards to the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis compared to decades old technology.  

Additionally, they can perform Lateral Digital Vertebral Assessment. This scan measures vertebral height throughout the lumbar and thoracic spine at a significantly lower radiation dose compared to plain x-ray.

Southern Bone Density Services has the most experienced clinical densitometrist in the Illawarra. Patricia Linnenlucke has held a long-term and active appointment on the ANZBMS educational faculty for the training of densitometrists.

Consulting physician Associate Professor Barry Elison is highly skilled and more importantly has a clinical interest in diagnosis and management of osteoporosis.

Accordingly as a clinical service the patient results are often discussed with the referring doctor and recommendations made to ensure an appropriate treatment regime is implemented.

Phone Southern Bone Density Services on 4226 6555.