The Osteoporosis Center

The Osteoporosis Center is located at 1000 Asylum Avenue, Suite 4310, Hartford, CT 06105.

The center provides for the rapid assessment of early stage osteoporosis utilizing a state of the art Dexa scanner. The test interpretation and clinical direction is provided by our two endocrinologists: Nathan M Lassman, MD and Jorge Diez, MD. Testing is fast, convenient, and painless. The test often takes three to five minutes with no preparation on your part. Our Bone Densitometrist is trained and certified to perform the test.

What is Osteoporosis?

More than 25 million Americans have osteoporosis, a disease characterized by abnormalities in the amount of bone tissue that leads to impaired skeletal strength and an undue susceptibility to fracture.

Osteoporosis causes over 1.5 million fractures annually. An estimated 54% of woman over the age of 50 have or will have osteoporosis and are at risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture. 20% of all men between the ages of 45-64 have osteoporosis and 85% of them sustain hip fractures (approximately 425,000 a year).

Click here to read the Osteoporosis and Bone Density Brochure

Who is at risk?

Postmenopausal women
Asian and Caucasians are affected more frequently
A thin, small-boned frame
A family history of osteoporosis or fractures and stooped postures in old age
Early estrogen deficiency (due to a hysterectomy, amenorrhea or menopause before age 45).
Smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
A sedentary lifestyle
Prolonged use of certain drugs including glucocorticoids, thyroid hormone and some anti-seizure medication
Advanced age women over 50 are at greatest risk)
Has or had a low calcium diet
Hypogonadism (low testosterone)

What is Bone Mineral Testing?

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are done using a Dexa scanner focusing on the spine and hip. Your results are compared to the average BMD of healthy young adults adjusted for sex and age. BMD tests are more sensitive than x-rays and can diagnoses bone loss at an earlier age.

How to improve bone health?

A balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D.
Weight bearing and resistant training exercises: walking, jogging, aerobic dance and tennis.
A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol and high caffeine intake.
Talking to your healthcare professional about bone health
Bone density testing and medication when appropriate.