The Rush Osteoporosis Center (ROC) is dedicated to osteoporosis diagnosis, treatment, education and research. Members of our University Rheumatology team specialize in osteoporosis. In addition to diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, our team specializes in the management of bone health in the context of chronic autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) and use of steroids. They provide individualized treatment plans to suit the specific needs of each patient.

Diagnostics and Treatment

Diagnosis

The Rush Osteoporosis Center’s bone mineral density testing facility uses a state-of-the-art DEXA system. This measurement tool allows our physicians to screen for people who have a low bone mass and are at an increased risk of fracture before they break a bone. Vertebral fracture assessments are also offered, and these can show breaks in the spine. The technologists performing the bone mineral density testing work closely with the physicians to ensure proper testing and results. In addition to years of experience, our technologists strive to accommodate same-day scheduling and put patients at ease prior to and during testing. A finalized report, (includes evaluation of bone mineral density at each hip and spine), along with a comparison with any previous bone mineral density testing (if done within our facility) is made available to the referring physician with our recommendations within one to four days. Our testing methods are reliable and reproducible, allowing for detection of relatively small changes in bone density for diagnosis and evaluation of effects of treatment.

Our onsite laboratory provides measurements of vitamin D, calcium and various hormone levels in the blood to look for causes of osteoporosis. Also available within the suite is radiology testing for diagnosis and follow-up of ongoing treatment rheumatologic diseases.

Treatment

Our team of rheumatologists strives for a timely diagnosis of osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases affecting the muscles and the joints, as well as the institution of individualized appropriate treatment. Our rheumatologists are trained to prevent development of osteoporosis in patients with chronic autoimmune diseases, especially those requiring steroid treatments. Our rheumatologists review the indication for initiation and continuation of steroids, and pay particular attention to the earliest possible tapering of steroids and institution of other possible treatments as steroid sparing agents. Our team also focuses on osteoporosis prevention through patient education on lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, as well as the need for vitamin supplementation.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with our experts for osteoporosis-related care, or an appointment for subcutaneous or intravenous administration of medications, we can do this at the time of the bone mineral density testing.

The nurses at our onsite infusion center always put patients first. Our facility extends the latest advances in osteoporosis treatment to our patients through administration of FDA-approved subcutaneous or intravenous medications for osteoporosis.

Multidisciplinary Care

Rush University Medical Center staffs highly skilled physical therapists and nutritionists, as well as physicians (physical medicine and rehabilitation, geriatrics, endocrinology) and orthopedic surgeons. This is very important, as patients with osteoporosis may need comprehensive evaluation. These specialists provide:

• Pertinent education and medical care to optimize bone health
• Information on ways to make a patient’s home safe to avoid falls
• Help in developing an exercise plan to improve bone strength
• Rehabilitation and balance improvement 
• Counseling on diet and nutrition
• Care for patients with bone fractures.

Rush Osteoporosis Center Team

Our Experts
Sonali Khandelwal, MD is co-director of the Rush Osteoporosis Center and an assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center.	Andrew D. Ruthberg, MD is co-director of the Rush Osteoporosis Center and an assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center.
Technologists
Jason Broenneke, RT (R) received his degree in radiography from the College of DuPage in 2009 and completed the Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant Program in 2007.	Telecia Watson, RT
Nurses
Dora Loya, RN is presently pursuing a Master of Science in nursing from Benedictine University as well as certification in chemotherapy from the Oncology Nursing Society. She has over 10 years of nursing experience.	Chelsea McMorrow, RN
Nancy J Carrasquillo, MA, RN