Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress silently until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist.
Keith Happel, MD, Medical Director for the Mid Dakota Osteoporosis Center knows just how serious these injuries can be. "We're extremely concerned about preventing fractures of the hip and spine," says Dr. Happel. "A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. In many cases, a person's ability to walk unassisted is impaired, or the fracture can result in prolonged or permanent disability or death. Vertebral fractures can be just as serious, causing loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity; some, however, are only detected with Xrays done for other reasons. "
Mid Dakota Clinic has responded to the growing need for education and care of osteoporosis by establishing the Mid Dakota Osteoporosis Center. They are the first in the region to establish a fully coordinated team approach to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
The Mid Dakota Osteoporosis Center offers many resources, including a whole-body densitometry scanner (DXA scanner). DXA scanners are now generally accepted as the "gold standard" technique for measurement of bone mineral density (BMD).
The Center's bone densitometry technologists and physician readers are certified by the International Society of Clinical Densitometry. Expertly trained physicians offer consultations, risk factor assessments, education, treatment, and follow-up care.
Osteoporosis should not be taken lightly. The risk is real. For more information, talk to your doctor, call the Osteoporosis Center at 701-530-6363 or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
The physician team includes:
Bilal Ahmed, MD, CCD
Keith Happel, MD, CCD, Medical Director
Brian Hebert, MD
Thomas Hutchens, MD,CCD
Shelly Seifert, MD
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