At the Osteoporosis Clinic, we offer diagnostic and clinical services to patients with osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases. We help people with low bone mass to manage their disease, focusing on reducing their risk of getting fractures and improving their quality of life.
Post-menopausal women are especially at risk of getting osteoporosis, so most of our patients are women over the age of 50. But about 20% of our patients are also men. We serve younger patients and those with complex medical problems that put them at a greater risk for bone loss and fractures. These could be transplant, renal, diabetic and cancer patients, as well as people on steroid medications.
We also conduct groundbreaking research into possible new treatments and technologies to assist patients with osteoporosis. You may be able to participate in some of our research studies. Learn more about our
research studies and how to participate.
Clinical Services
Our services include bone-building and life-saving therapies for osteoporosis and recovery after fracture injuries, as well as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for the treatment of vertebral fractures.
Diagnostic Services
The Bone Density and Body Composition Laboratory at the Osteoporosis Clinic is part of the
Centre of Excellence in Skeletal Health Assessment, a group of bone diagnostic centres in partnership with the Joint Department of Medical Imaging at the University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital. We provide diagnostic tests for bone strength, muscle density and body composition.
Our lab is equipped with a DXA machine (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry), used for diagnosing osteoporosis. We also have the Xtreme CT, a low-radiation scanner that can examine bone structure and density in a non-invasive way.
Other diagnostic tests (used primarily for research studies) include:
- Heel QUS (Quantitative Ultrasonography)
- HRpQCT and pQCT (High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography)
-
MRI
- MRTA (Mechanical Response Tissue Analyzer)
How to Prepare
Your first appointment can take 2 hours or more. After your visit, you might be required to go to the Diagnostic Test Centre for blood tests and/or Medical Imaging for x-rays. Follow-up appointments usually take 15 to 30 minutes.
Learn more about
what you can expect when you have a clinic appointment.
