Osteoporosis & Bone Health Screening
Available at Advantage Medical Centre (Guthrie House).
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis ( ‘porous bones’ ) is a condition where there is decreased density and quality of our bones. As we age, this becomes more common as the rate of bone production decreases and bone loss increases. As a result, there is a higher risk of fractures even with minor falls and injuries.
Some of these fractures e.g hip fractures, spinal fractures – can be particularly serious especially for the elderly. Osteoporosis often progresses silently, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.
Who is at risk?
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Modifiable risk factors
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Non-modifiable risk factors
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• Lack of calcium and vitamin D
• Lack of regular exercise • Smoking Alcohol |
• Age >65 years old
• Family history of osteoporosis • Women who are post/peri-menopause • Women who had ovaries removed before 45 years old • Height loss of >2cm in 3 years • Medications such as corticosteroids, gastric medications (containing aluminum, proton pump inhibitors), seizure medications |
How is it diagnosed?
GP Consult
✔ Personalised advice and treatment options for bone health
✔ Check for presence of fragility fracture (e.g hip, forearm, spine) regardless of BMD results
Bone Density Test
✔ A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is done to measure bone density at various sites (hip and spine). A T-score of -2.5 and lower confirms osteoporosis.
Treatment
✔ Osteoporosis treatment and management, tailored plans for maintaining stronger bones
Bone Density Test (BMD)
The Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test is a non-invasive procedure that measures bone strength and assesses the risk of fractures. It is vital for detecting osteoporosis and monitoring bone health over time.
Medisave can be used either under either FlexiMedisave or Medisave 500/700 scheme to pay for the scan.
Available at our Bukit Timah outlet (Guthrie House).
Who Should Get Screened?
✔️ Individuals over 50
✔️ Those with a family history of osteoporosis
✔️ Post menopausal women
✔️ Anyone experiencing unexplained bone pain or height loss
Early screening allows for timely intervention.
*A doctor consultation is required before the scan and is not included in the service price.
All prices indicated are excluding GST.
FAQ
- Exercise – focus on weight-bearing, muscle strengthening and balance exercises e.g. brisk walking, tai chi, stair climbing
- Calcium intake – aim 1000mg/day for adults >50 years old
- Vitamin D intake – aim 600IU/day for 51-70 years old, 800IU/day for >70 years old
- Quitting smoking, avoiding caffeine, alcohol
- Address modifiable risk factors
- Medications
- Bisphosphonates
- Denosumab ( Prolia )
- Before starting on medications, baseline blood tests will be done
- After starting on treatment, blood tests will still need to be performed periodically
- The BMD test is typically repeated every 1-2 years after starting on treatment
