New Equipment helps to catch Osteoporosis before it takes hold
By Lesley Hunter-Nolan
At a time when statistics have been released to show that over 400,000 people in Ireland suffer from osteoporosis, The Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine in Naas has introduced an advanced ultra-sound bone Sonometry machine which provides information about the strength of the bone, its structure and elasticity.
The machine is a quick and safe method of measuring an individuals ‘osteoporosis fracture risk’ using ultra sound and is an alternative to waiting list and radiation involved with the more commonly used bone density measurement, the ‘DEXA’ scan.
The radiation emitted by the DEXA scan is minimal but can have a cumulative effect.
Until recently, osteoporosis was regarded as a condition of getting old rather than as a disease which can be treated or even prevented.
It currently affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 in Ireland with only 10 per cent actually aware they have it.
It is often referred to as a “silent disease” because sufferers do not experience any obvious symptoms, eventually finding out when it is too late.
The bone Sonometry system used at the Naas centre is an EU approved diagnostic tool and the procedure is non invasive, using the ankle bone to determine overall bone strength.
According to ICIM Medical practitioner Felipe Reitz (ATCM, MCGS), the ankle is the most sophisticated bone and produces an accurate reading for bone strength in general.
Mr Reitz predicts that in 2006, 3,500 people will have used the service, an increase of 1,000 on the figure for 2005.
In general, those at greatest risk are women over 50 and men over 65 but there are a number of factors that can contribute to a higher fracture risk than normal people below these ages including previous fracture, family history of osteoporosis, eating disorders, smoking, high alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity.
A comprehensive analysis of medical history and risk factors is however carried out before the test so that patients understand what might contribute to their reading and what they can change about their lifestyle to ensure continued bone health.
While some of the ICIM patients decide to take the test themselves the majority are referred by hospital consultants.
Mr Reitz is equally enthusiastic about another early detection system, Thermography, which is available at ICIM that can be used in conjunction with bone Sonometry. He has used Thermography to detect problems all over the body from cancer to varicose vains, sinus and back pain.
The ICIM is also looking forward to the introduction of a new system for all over general health screening that, according to Mr Reitz, will be the most comprehensive in the country and will be available at the centre soon.
“In the future, I see Naas as becoming one of the best areas for medical care clinics. Even now, we have patients coming from all over the world who are experiencing Naas rather than anywhere else during their time in Ireland”
The Bone Sonometry Test is currently available from The Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine priced at €135. It takes around 30 minutes and patients will receive results immediately.
Anyone interested in booking an appointment or finding out more can contact The Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine, St. John’s Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co Kildare, (045) 844819, or www.icim.ie.
Tags: Bone Sonometry, Osteoporosis