Forgey Sports Medicine and Rehab Clinic, PLLC
Phone: 360-573-5500

Clinic Hours

Monday-Friday
8:00 - Noon
2:00 - 6:00
Saturday
8:00 - Noon
Phone: 360-573-5500
Fax: 360-573-9075

Address: 1503 NE 78th Street, Suite #9
Vancouver, WA 98665

Both Dr. Forgey and Dr. Covert enjoy Public Speaking and are available upon request. Topics include On The Job Injuries and Sports Injury Prevention.

Over 50 years of experience when talking about Chiropractic Care.

Forgey SportsMed & Rehab Clinic provides Bone Density Testing with C.U.B.A.Clinical

What is Osteoporosis?

From birth onward, your bones are constantly renewing themselves. Slowly but steadily, old bone is removed and new bone is formed.

Equipment at Forgey Sports Medicine and Rehab Clinic Vancouver WA for Bone Density Testing

With advancing age, particularly after menopause, old bone continues to be removed, but new bone formation starts to lag behind. This results in a gradual and steady decrease in the amount of bone material. This decrease may lead to the condition called osteoporosis, or "porous bones". As bone density decreases, the bones become weaker and more likely to break (fracture).

Osteoporotic fractures occur mainly at the wrist, spine, and hip. However, hip fractures are the most significant problem because of the high cost of treatment. If you fracture your hip, you will almost always be hospitalized, may need a hip replacement, and may need help during your recovery and rehabilitation because it will be harder for you to walk.

How do I know if I have Osteoporosis?

There are no symptoms until a fracture occurs. This is why it is sometimes called a "silent disease".

There are tests that can measure bone strength and the risk of fracture. One test measures your Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Another test measures other structural features of bone. You should discuss with your doctor whether these tests would be helpful to you.

How can I have my Bones Checked?

In the 1970's and 1980's Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests were developed. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) uses radiation to determine your bone density. The spine and hip are the most commonly measured but heel, wrist, or the total body may also be measured. The procedure takes up to 20 minutes, and results in about as much radiation exposure as a standard x-ray (if the spine or hip is measured) or less (if the heel or wrist is measured). In 1992, a new bone testing method using ultrasound (sound waves) instead of x-rays was introduced. This method is referred to as bone sonometry or quantitative ultrasound, and the machine is called CUBAClinical.

How does CUBAClinical work?

To take a measurement, the CUBAClinical sends an ultrasonic sound wave through the heel bone. As the sound wave travels from one side to the other, the wave is changed by the internal structure and content of the bone. For example, the more complex the structure of the bone, the more the sound wave will be absorbed. Therefore, normal bone has a higher measurement than bone with osteoporosis. Likewise, the greater the connectivity in the honeycomb-like structure of the bone, the faster the sound wave will pass through it. As bone becomes osteoporotic, this honeycomb weakens and begins to fail, and the speed of the sound wave slows down. For more information see a brochure in our office.