Bone Health Center

Baton Rouge General's Bone Health Center is the only clinic in the region dedicated to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Led by Angela Roy, PA-C. Certified by the National Osteoporosis Foundation as a fracture liaison specialist, she helps patients reach and maintain optimal bone health to prevent fractures.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis, a term that means “porous bones”, is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. This bone fragility causes an increased risk for fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist.

Screening & Early Detection

Often called a “silent disease,” a person may not be aware they have osteoporosis until after they have fractured a bone. You cannot feel your bones getting weaker, which is why screening and early detection are so important.

At the Bone Health Center, we review a patient’s medical history, including any history of fractures, and provide a physical exam and bone density scan to determine their current bone health. A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, is a low dose x-ray scan used to help determine the presence of osteoporosis and the risk of fractures.

Who should have a bone density test?

• Women 65 years and older
• Men 70 years and older
• Anyone who has broken a bone after age 50
• Women 50-64 with risk factors
• Men 50-69 with risk factors

Am I at Risk for Osteoporosis?

One in two women and up to one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Family history
• A small body frame
• History of fractures
• Hormone levels
• Low calcium intake
• Steroid usage and certain medications including those used to treat cancer, seizures, and gastric reflux
• Lifestyle choices that include minimal exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use

Take our Bone Health Center quiz to determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis: