• About UPMC |
• Hospitals & Facilities |
• Our Services |
• Find A Doctor |
• Your Visit |
• Health A-Z |
• Careers at UPMC

News Release

UPMC NORTHWEST FIGHTS BACK AGAINST OSTEOPOROSIS
New system strengthens hospital’s bone density testing capabilities

May 9, 2007 — Osteoporosis is a potentially crippling illness characterized by weak bones that are susceptible to fracture. It is known as a “silent disease” because it often produces no symptoms until a person suffers a broken bone.

ADVANCED SCANNING - Radiologic technologist Jackie Knight and UPMC Northwest's General Electric Lunar Prodigy system: the new technology makes bone density scanning faster, easier and more thorough.

UPMC Northwest is fighting back against osteoporosis with leading edge imaging technology that greatly advances our bone density testing capabilities. With the General Electric Lunar Prodigy system, bone density scanning is easier, faster, and more thorough than ever, according to radiologist Janet Zehner, MD.

The Lunar Prodigy scans patients in 15 to 20 minutes – about half the scan time of previous systems – which is especially beneficial for patients who can’t lie down for long on an exam table. It images more areas of the body, including the spine, both hips, and forearm, which increases the likelihood of finding thinning or weakening bones. It also provides a closer, clearer look at the bones so doctors can make a more definitive diagnosis, Dr. Zehner says.

Another key feature of the new system: vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) of the spine. With only five more minutes of scan time, the Lunar Prodigy provides a detailed image of the middle and lower backbone that can be computer-evaluated for evidence of previously undetected fractures.

The new system’s ability to detect osteoporosis in its early stages is especially important, Dr. Zehner says, because the sooner doctors identify the gradual thinning and weakening of bones that characterizes the disease, the earlier treatment and lifestyle changes can begin, and the more likely it is the patient can avoid hip, back, wrist, or other osteoporosis-related fractures.

In addition to diagnosing the disease, the Lunar Prodigy can measure the effectiveness of dietary changes, exercise, and/or medication that doctors typically prescribe to treat osteoporosis.

The new system’s patient-friendly features and advanced imaging capabilities make it a great addition to UPMC Northwest’s Imaging Department, according to Dr. Zehner, who says the new technology “is much more accurate than what we had before. We can do a better job evaluating our patients and helping to prevent fractures.”

As with other imaging studies at UPMC Northwest, patients who undergo bone mineral density tests benefit from the presence of six board certified radiologists who interpret the exams, including Dr. Zehner, who played a key role in developing UPMC Northwest’s osteoporosis assessment program several years ago. Dr. Zehner is certified in bone densitometry by the International Society of Clinical Densitometrists (ISCD); certification is indicative of advanced credentials in interpreting bone density exams.