Section: Press Releases

New Technology at Casa Colina Outpatient Center Helps in Fight Against Osteoporosis

07/11/2006
New Technology at Casa Colina Outpatient Center Helps in Fight Against Osteoporosis Pomona, CA…Twenty-five million Americans have osteoporosis, which is known as the most common bone disease. Fifty thousand people die each year because of it. Yet, most of us know little about protecting ourselves from this disease.

Osteoporosis results in more than 1 million hip, spine, and wrist fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly one-half of all post menopausal women, the largest group at high risk for osteoporosis. It also affects men with underlying conditions with osteoporosis as a secondary diagnosis.

Research in osteoporosis, the disorder in which progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture, is making important new advances. A key factor in this success has been the availability of new and improved equipment to measure bone density.

Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient's bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented. A new bone densitometer was recently installed at Casa Colina's Outpatient Center along with the opening of its new Osteoporosis & Bone Health Program.

"The Lunar bone densitometer measures the density of the spine, hip, and other bones which are the most frequent sites of fracture," explained Dr. Eugene Boling, board-certified rheumatologist and Director of the Casa Colina Osteoporosis & Bone Health Program.

"In just 30 seconds, this highly precise densitometer helps us identify risk at a much earlier stage. It can also evaluate response to treatment so that we know whether our therapy is effective or if we need to modify our approach."

"Recent research findings clarify the nature of osteoporosis and demonstrate the effectiveness of new treatments. New diagnostic devices, such as the GE Healthcare Lunar bone densitometer at Casa Colina, improve the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis. It also has the potential to catch other diseases such as degenerative arthritis or cancer. This new equipment, coupled with the fact that Casa Colina's tests are read by physician specialists who have undergone rigorous training with the International Society of Clinical Densitometry, results in pristine, highly accurate readings so the patient is properly diagnosed and appropriately treated for optimum results," said Dr. Boling.

Dr. Boling encourages individuals to visit Casa Colina's Outpatient Center and be evaluated for a bone density examination. "There is no special preparation involved for the patient. The exam is very brief and is a comfortable procedure for the patient," he said.

For further information about the Casa Colina Osteoporosis & Bone Health Program, call 909/450-0295.

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