The Osteoporosis Treatment Center at Rush is dedicated to osteoporosis treatment, education and research. Our physicians specialize in osteoporosis, bone metabolism and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Through medical evaluations and bone mineral density testing, our skilled physicians and staff can help determine your risk for developing osteoporosis. We can provide information about the various treatment options available, including personalized diet and exercise counseling, new medications or established therapies that might be right for you.

Finally, we are researching causes and treatments for osteoporosis. Our physicians conduct clinical trials of the newest osteoporosis medications, and our own departmental studies evaluate the effects of certain medications on bone density. The result of these studies may provide future treatment options for you and others.

Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Even if you feel healthy, you may still have osteoporosis. Before it takes you by surprise, talk with your doctor. If you have one or more of these risk factors, you may be susceptible to osteoporosis.

• Age (past 50)
• Caucasian or Asian descent
• Previous bone fracture
• Certain medications (steroids, anti-convulsants)
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Thin or small build
• Menopause
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Diet low in calcium
• Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• Lack of exercise
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption

While these factors can help determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis, the only way to know for sure is through a bone density test. Help preserve your independence. The Rush Osteoporosis Treatment Center will help provide you with the resources you need.

At the Rush Osteoporosis Treatment Center, we use dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure bone mineral density. This is a painless, noninvasive procedure similar to an x-ray: A moveable arm is passed over the area to be tested, such as your hip, spine or forearm. The test is completed in a matter of minutes and radiation exposure is minimal. Your medical history is taken before the test. The physician will use your history with the results of the DEXA test to provide an easy-to-understand, individualized bone health report. This report is forwarded to your doctor for him or her to review with you. If you prefer, our center physician can discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment.

Bone density tests are the most practical and accurate way to measure the density of bones. They can help your doctor diagnose osteoporosis, particularly in the early stages before broken bones occur. And when tests are repeated over time, they can help your doctor track any rate of bone loss you have experienced.

The center’s clinical team includes physicians and nurses experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of women who have or are at risk for developing osteoporosis. In addition, the center staff includes researchers conducting clinical trials of medications in combination with hormone therapy.