|
|
|
New center supports bone health
|
by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
South Carolinians who are at risk for osteoporosis are set to gain from
the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of specialists. These
specialists can assist with early detection and provide comprehensive
care through MUSC’s new Center for Osteoporosis and Bone Health.
 Rheumatologist
Dr. Faye Hant, from left, talks with MUSC Center for Osteoporosis &
Bone Health director Dr. Marcy B. Bolster at the new clinic’s Rutledge
Tower location. Also pictured are nurse coordinator Sheryl Naugle, and
endocrinologists Drs. Jyotika Fernandes, Kathie L. Hermayer and
Rheumatology's Dr. Diane Kamen. All six specialists are part of a
comprehensive team approach to helping patients manage their bone
health. Aside from rheumatologists and endocrinologists, the team
includes radiology, neurosciences, interventional radiology,
orthopaedics, psychiatry and physical and occupational therapy.
Patients may be seen in downtown Charleston (Rutledge Tower), West
Ashley, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant. To make an appointment,
call 876-2663.
Osteoporosis is more often an undetected and undertreated disease
because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs. It’s
estimated that 10 million Americans, 50 and older, have been diagnosed
with osteoporosis, a disease that results in the loss of healthy bone
mass and deterioration of bone tissue. The areas commonly affected by
this disease are the spine, wrist and hip. By 2020, more than 62
million people will suffer from osteoporosis, making them one of the
fastest growing patient populations.
The new program, which opened in November, is part of the
Musculoskeletal Service Line and brings together experts in
rheumatology, endocrinology, inter-ventional radiology, orthopaedics,
neurosciences, physical and occupa-tional, and physiatry to help
patients suffering from vertebral fractures, osteoporosis and other
bone health issues with a full range of treatment options and
preventive strategies.
Experts can see or evaluate patients at Rutledge Tower and at other
MUSC offices in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant and North Charleston. At
the downtown and West Ashley offices, patients are assessed using the
latest technology and tools available including the same-day dual
energy X-ray absorptiometry or DXA scanner and expertise of both an
osteoporosis-physician and radiologist to make quick interpretations.
This device is more accurate than traditional X-rays measuring bone
mineral density for patients who may suffer from osteoporosis or
osteopenia.
Physicians who make up this service include: Marcy Bolster, M.D.,
Rheumatology and center's medical director; Jimmy Alele, M.D.,
Endocrinology; Rodney Daniel, M.D., Rheumatology; Jyotika Fernandes,
M.D., Endocrinology; Faye Hant, D.O., Rheumatology; Beatrice Janulyte,
M.D., Endocrinology; Diane Kamen, M.D., Rheumatology, Kathie Hermayer,
M.D., Endocrinology, and Soon Ho Kwon, M.D., Endocrinology. Nurse
coordinator is Sheryl Naugle, R.N., and Muskuloskeletal Service Line
administrator is Nancy Tassin, R.N.
The center will provide coordinated care for patients diagnosed with
known osteoporosis, osteopenia and related conditions. The team also is
interested in treating patients who are high risk for fracture,
especially men and women with a family history, post-menopausal women
or individuals using specific medicines, such as steroids (i.e.
prednisone). It is estimated that about 40 percent of women, age 50 and
older, will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture sometime in
their lifetime. The program also manages two specialized programs for
geriatric fracture and a vertebral fracture clinic. Patients are
evaluated, receive tests such as the DXA scan, are given a treatment
plan, or can be quickly referred to any of the team’s interdisciplinary
medical specialists in rheumatology, endocrinology, orthopaedics,
neuro-surgery, radiology and physical therapy.
“The program focuses on care and prevention,” said Bolster. “Our
patients follow a patient-centered, interdisciplinary approach to
managing their bone health.”
In addition, specialists are committed to patient education and
awareness and plan to actively participate in medical screening
opportunities and other community service.
To schedule an appointment, call 876-BONE or visit http://www.muschealth.com/osteoporosis.
Friday, Jan. 29, 2010
|
|
|
