Bone Density

Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates offers DEXA bone density testing to screen for osteoporosis at the Women's Health Alliance of the Piedmont (WHAP) Bone Density Center located on Maplewood Avenue. Our center utilizes a state-of-the-art GE LUNAR DEXA Bone Densitometer which provides for a comfortable, safe, and accurate examination.

Unlike some systems which test only the heel, finger, or wrist, this system evaluates the bone density in both hips and the entire lumbar spine, where fractures are most clinically relevant in osteoporosis. DEXA bone density testing at the hip and spine is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and provides the only useful measurement to assess the progress of treatment. It typically takes only a few minutes of resting fully dressed on the densitometer to complete the test. Test results are available quickly.

The WHAP Bone Density Center is located at
3015 Maplewood Avenue, Suite 202 and is open on Mondays
from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m and Tuesdays and
Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Scott A. Washburn is the director of the bone density center. He is certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends screening for osteoporosis for menopausal women with two or more risk factors. Risk factors include:

• Being female
• Thin and/or small frame
• Advanced age
• A family history of osteoporosis
• Postmenopause, including early or surgically induced menopause
• Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
• Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• A diet low in calcium
• Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
• Low testosterone levels in men
• An inactive lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

If you have two or more risk factors, consult your physician to see if you should be screened for osteoporosis.