A new Bone Mineral Densitometry machine is in operation at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital (HDMH) thanks to community donations.
The foundation says the machine will support future patients in receiving timely osteoporosis screening.
Katherine Craine, CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, says she is grateful for the community support, adding the new machine demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to meeting the current and future healthcare needs of the community.
“Bone Mineral Densitometry is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses low-intensity X-rays to assess and monitor bone health,” say officials.
Some of the features of the new machine include sharper images with minimal distortion, faster scanning with less radiation and faster procedures, which, according to officials, could take “roughly” 15 to 20 minutes.
Rahim Ismaili, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiorespiratory, says the latest advancements in bone mineral density machines improve the accuracy of identifying patients at high risk for fractures.
“This enhanced precision enables the development of custom treatment plans and lifestyle adjustments to strengthen bone health before a fracture occurs,” says Ismaili.
Officials say each year, more than 1,600 patients from across Muskoka and East Parry Sound rely on Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s bone density imaging services for early detection and ongoing monitoring of bone density.
