Bone densitometry

By appointment only

Covered by the RAMQ

BMD is used to evaluate bone mass and fracture risk.

What is osteoporosis : Osteoporosis is a disease that causes thinning and weakening of the bones. Normally the bone is regenerated regularly. With osteoporosis, new bone tissue is not produced in sufficient quantity to replace removed bone tissue. This causes a loss of bone mass or bone density, which may lead to fragility fractures after minor trauma.

Appointment available at the following clinics:

Radiologie LaSalleRADIOLOGIE ÎLE-DES-SOEURS

After registering, the technologist fills a questionnaire with you and notes your weight and your height. Thereafter, you lie comfortably on the examination table while the technologist performs the imaging of the lumbar vertebrae and hip. Also X-rays (in lateral view) of your dorsal and lumbar spine are done. Measurements from the BMD and X-rays are then analyzed by the radiologist. Total duration of the exam is approximately 15 minutes.

Total duration of the exam is approximately 15 minutes.

No fees, entirely covered by the RAMQ.
  • $5, for each copy of the report for personal file.
  • $10, for each copy of CD for personal file.

Online

Making an appointment

By phone

LaSalle - 514 365-7766ÎLE-DES-SOEURS - 514 687-2323

Preparation

  • Do not take any calcium supplement within the prior 48 hours before the exam.
  • Do not undergo any exam with barium or nuclear medicine within the prior 10 days before.

When coming in for your exam, make sure to bring: 

  • The original exam request signed by your doctor
  • Your valid health insurance card (RAMQ)

Causes and risk factors

Osteoporosis is not just related to aging. Factors that may increase the risk of osteoporosis include:
  • Age: 65 and older
  • Early menopause (lack of certain hormones (estrogen))
  • The use of corticosteroids (cortisone, ...)
  • Specific lifestyles (smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise, ...)
  • Diet poor in calcium and vitamin D
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Some diseases (Crohn's, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ...)

Types of fractures

The most common fractures occur at the spine, hip (e.g. after a fall). Vertebral fractures by gradual crushing may go unnoticed and cause a loss of height or a stooped posture. These fractures are not always accompanied by pain. Only one third of all vertebral fractures will be brought to the doctor's attention.

Prevention and treatment

It is important to reduce the risk of osteoporosis to a minimum. This includes understanding who is at risk for osteoporosis and establishing a treatment quickly to prevent the disease. If someone already has osteoporosis, early screening is essential to prevent fractures.
  • Have a regular intake of calcium and vitamin D
  • Exercise (such as walking, weight training, or climbing stairs)
  • A healthy, smoke-free lifestyle without excessive alcohol intake
  • Taking medication under medical supervision (such as biphosphanates...)

Contact details and opening hours

LASALLE1500 rue Dollard, Bureau 101LaSalle, Quebec, H8N 1T5 Monday to Friday8h00 to 16h00

LACHINE2600, rue Victoria, Suite BLachine, Quebec, H8S 1Z3 Monday to Friday9h00 to 16h30

DELSON58, Boulevard Marie-VictorinDelson, Quebec, J5B 1A9 Monday to Thrusday8h30 to 20h00Friday8h30 to 16h00Saturday10h00 to 16h00

RADIOLOGIE METRO MONK2529, rue Allard, bureau 100Montréal, Québec, H4E 2L4 Monday to Friday9h00 to 16h30

ÎLE-DES-SOEURS8, Place du Commerce, # 200Île-des-Soeurs, Quebec, H3E 1N3 Monday to Friday9h00 to 16h30