Unexplained bone fractures are a thing of the past
A bone fracture can be painful and scary, especially if it occurs without injury. In 2015, Dover resident Virginia Kelly began experiencing multiple fractures in her toes and ankles that were not caused by trauma. She made an appointment with Bayhealth Orthopaedics. Kelly was initially seen by Eileen Crawford, MD, who referred her to Gregory Sender, PA, to be screened for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. The osteoporosis screening requires the patient to place their foot in a painless ultrasound device called a bone densitometer, which measures the bone mineral density of the heel. “If a patient has a fractured bone and they didn’t fall or injure themselves, it’s likely osteoporosis,” Sender said. “The screenings are a way for us to confirm the diagnosis.”
As suspected, Kelly tested positive for osteoporosis. “Greg ordered blood tests to check my vitamin D level,” she said. “It was below normal so he started me on a high-level vitamin D supplement and prescribed injections for two years in order to improve bone density.”
Kelly has been a Bayhealth patient for many years and, according to her, has always had a satisfying experience. She is especially pleased with her time spent with Sender and said she has recommended him to family members and friends. “My experience with Greg has always been positive — he has a knack of making me feel at ease and not rushed,” Kelly said. “He is very knowledgeable about osteoporosis and he is honest regarding treatment methods and possible outcomes.”
Armed with answers and a treatment plan, Kelly now understands what was causing her bone fractures. While there are no tests that can see the improvement until the end of treatment, Kelly is optimistic about the results. She will complete the injection treatment in late 2017.
Osteoporosis screenings are held at Bayhealth Kent General on Monday mornings and Bayhealth Milford Memorial on Thursday afternoons. An appointment is required. Visit bayhealth.org/diagnosticimaging to learn more about bone density studies. To schedule an appointment with Greg Sender, PA, call 302-730-4366.
Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. The osteoporosis screening requires the patient to place their foot in a painless ultrasound device called a bone densitometer, which measures the bone mineral density of the heel. “If a patient has a fractured bone and they didn’t fall or injure themselves, it’s likely osteoporosis,” Sender said. “The screenings are a way for us to confirm the diagnosis.”
As suspected, Kelly tested positive for osteoporosis. “Greg ordered blood tests to check my vitamin D level,” she said. “It was below normal so he started me on a high-level vitamin D supplement and prescribed injections for two years in order to improve bone density.”
Kelly has been a Bayhealth patient for many years and, according to her, has always had a satisfying experience. She is especially pleased with her time spent with Sender and said she has recommended him to family members and friends. “My experience with Greg has always been positive — he has a knack of making me feel at ease and not rushed,” Kelly said. “He is very knowledgeable about osteoporosis and he is honest regarding treatment methods and possible outcomes.”
Armed with answers and a treatment plan, Kelly now understands what was causing her bone fractures. While there are no tests that can see the improvement until the end of treatment, Kelly is optimistic about the results. She will complete the injection treatment in late 2017.
Osteoporosis screenings are held at Bayhealth Kent General on Monday mornings and Bayhealth Milford Memorial on Thursday afternoons. An appointment is required. Visit bayhealth.org/diagnosticimaging to learn more about bone density studies. To schedule an appointment with Greg Sender, PA, call 302-730-4366.