Bone Health

Made mostly of collagen, bone is a living, growing tissue. Collagen is a protein that provides a soft framework, and calcium phosphate is a mineral that adds strength and hardens the framework. This combination of collagen and calcium makes bone strong and flexible enough to withstand stress.

As we age our bones cells begin to dissolve and the structure that supports our bones become weaker, which increases the risk of developing a disease called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bone, is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, it is estimated that worldwide there is a fracture caused by osteoporosis every three seconds. More than 320,000 hip fractures occur annually in North America and are associated with an average mortality rate of 21% within just one year. Furthermore, hip fractures nearly double the overall risk of mortality. Worldwide the incidence of hip fractures is on the rise and has grown by an estimated 25%.

At Northwest Bone Health we focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect your bones, particularly osteoporosis. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment called a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner that can assess trabecular bone score (TBS) and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA). We also offer novel therapies including oral and IV bisphosphonates, Prolia, Forteo, Tymlos and Evenity while encouraging an active lifestyle, fall prevention, and proper calcium, vitamin D intake, and other lifestyle modifications.