Osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening of the bones that happens naturally as we age. It is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without any symptoms. It is much easier to diagnose and treat Osteoporosis than trying to reverse bone loss once it has occurred.

Bone densitometry with an additional capability called Instant Vertebral Assessment (IVA) produces an x-ray of the entire spine for the assessment of vertebral (spine) fractures. IVA is basically a rapid (10 second), low-dose x-ray scan of the spine, taken in combination with a standard bone density test. With IVA, doctors can see existing vertebral fractures, which may indicate the need for more aggressive treatment, even if bone density results are in the "normal" range.

Prior to IVA, a patient suspected of having a vertebral fracture would be referred for a conventional spine x-ray. This often required a separate office visit; exposure to higher doses of radiation; and additional time for processing and reviewing the x-ray film. With IVA, the spine scan is performed in conjunction with a bone density test, during the same appointment, at 1/100th of the radiation dose, and the results are immediately available for the doctor's review. In this way, your doctor can provide a more thorough assessment of your bone health, quickly and conveniently.

• It is a simple and proven x-ray method.
  
  
• It is safe with low radiation exposure.
  
  
• It is fast and comfortable, and takes only 15 minutes.
  
  
• It is easy. Patient remains clothed.
  
  
• It is painless and non-invasive. No injection is required.