(910) 762-1182 | Facebook About Diseases Treated Medical Services News Contact Pay Bill BONE DENSITOMETRY CAA uses a state-of- the-art, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology to measure bone mineral density, currently the most precise of all bone density tests. Your bone mineral density indicates the strength of your bones. Bone density scanning, also known as DXA x-rays, is a painless, non-invasive test that helps our doctors diagnose and treat osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss. Our DXA machine measures how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are in a segment of bone. DXA tests can also determine an individual’s risk of fractures. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser and stronger your bones are and the less likely they are to break. Age, weight, and family history of previous osteoporotic fractures are all factors taken into consideration. During the procedure, which takes about 45 minutes, the technician gathers additional information about your current physical condition, medication, and lifestyle. Bone density scanning is the most accurate testing available to diagnose osteoporosis and potential fracture risk, and we’re proud to offer it to our patients. DXA Procedure While lying still on a padded table, our trained technician takes images of your hip and lumbar spine. Our DXA machine sends a thin beam of low-dose x-rays through the bones being examined. A computer, which interfaces with the equipment, prints out a color image of your bone mineral density. No anesthesia is required for a DXA test and the amount of radiation is very small. Radiation does not remain in the body after the examination. Your bone density test results are given in two numbers: T-score and Z-score. Your T-score is a comparison of your bone density and what is normally expected. Your Z-score is what is expected for someone of your age, gender, weight, and ethnic/racial origin. T-SCORE RATINGS -1 and Above: Normal bone density Between -1 and 2.5: Below normal bone density and risk of osteoporosis -2.5 & Below: High risk of osteoporosis Z-SCORE RATINGS -2 & Lower: Abnormal bone loss from factors other than aging Do I Need a Bone Density Test? We recommend getting a bone density examination if you have: Fractured a bone: Fragile bones break much more easily than expected, including from strong sneezes and coughs. Received a transplant: Organ and bone marrow transplants use anti-rejection drugs, which interfere with the bone-rebuilding process. Prescribed specific drugs: The long term use of steroid medications also interferes the bone-rebuilding process. Height loss: Those who lose an inch or more of height may have compression fractures in their spines, which is a result of osteoporosis. Drop in hormone levels: Menopause and certain cancer treatments can reduce hormone levels in men and women, which weakens the bones. DEC 1, 2020 Seven Tips for Balancing Arthritis Care with Holiday Cheer The holidays are officially here, and I don’t think we have ever been so excited for a fresh new holiday season! The holidays provide a unique opportunity to spend quality time with family, take some time off of work, revel in some downtime, and celebrate traditions. However, while this can be a joyous time, it […] Read More » NOV 2, 2020 An Arthritis-Friendly Home Makeover When you have arthritis, stiffness, pain, and swelling can make everyday tasks much more challenging. In addition, your mobility can be compromised by this chronic condition, so it’s crucial to set up your home for maximum ease and comfort. Fortunately, you can make life easier and your home more functional. Start with this room-by-room approach […] Read More » JUN 7, 2020 Eight Walking Strategies for Those That Suffer from Arthritis For those who have arthritis, exercise is excellent medicine. Low impact exercise eases joint pain, fights off fatigue, and can cause your body to release endorphins that help relieve pain and improve mindset. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to active, try walking. And there is no better time to get started […] Read More » APPOINTMENTS Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and plan to be in the office for 2 hours. Please bring the following items with you: Insurance card(s) Co-pay and/or coinsurance payment - cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Completed System Review Form Signed Payment Policy Signed HIPAA Consent/Authorization Signed Acknowledgement of Privacy Practices/Assignment of Benefits Completed Patient Registration Current medication bottles/ Medical Records from other physicians PATIENT FORMS New Patient Packet Download, view and complete our New Patient Packet DOWNLOAD PACKET Patient System Review Download, view and complete the Patient System Review Form DOWNLOAD PACKET Release Authorization Form Download, view and complete our Release Authorization Form DOWNLOAD PACKET CONTACT Carolina Arthritis 1710 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 tel. 910.762.1182 fax 910.762.1291 Hours of Operation M - Th. 8:00 am - 4:30pm GET DIRECTIONS OUR MEDICAL SERVICES BONE DENSITOMETRY INFUSIONS LABORATORY MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND CLINICAL RESEARCH X-RAYS VIEW SERVICES OUR TREATMENTS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OSTEOPOROSIS VASCULITIS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS GOUT SJOGREN’S SYNDROME SCLERODERMA SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS INSIDE CAROLINA ARTHRITIS Since its founding in 1991, Carolina Arthritis Associates has been leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune illnesses and osteoporosis. 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