Osteoporosis measurement software for PACS

12  March 2007

Illinois, USA. Medstrat has announced the integration of CompuMed's OsteoGram bone mineral density (BMD) measurement software for osteoporosis screening, diagnosis and monitoring with its echoeSYSTEM PACS software suite.

Medstrat's family of ECHOES product and service solutions address the needs of all orthopaedic practice sizes from small to large multi-site enterprises.

Medstrat Co-CEO Bob Bishop said, "the new offering allows our orthopaedic surgeon customers to join the call of the Surgeon General, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery in detecting osteoporosis, preventing its debilitating effects and reducing fracture mortality risk in their communities." One in five individuals who fracture a hip die within a year of the fracture and about one in five individuals with a hip fracture end up in a nursing home within a year.

The integration of Medstrat's orthopaedic digital imaging solutions with CompuMed's OsteoGram software provides orthopaedic surgeons with a simple, effective and affordable means of identifying at risk individuals in their community. HHS recommends bone density tests for all women over 65 and for any man or woman who suffers even a minor fracture after age 50.

Medicare has paid for BMD testing since July 1, 1998 to afford physicians the ability to create and fund osteoporosis prevention programs. National data in 2003 indicate that only about 3% of women aged 67 or older received both a bone mineral density test and a prescription.

Bishop pointed out, "Medstrat feels obligated to collaborate with its orthopaedic surgeon customers to elevate the standard of care of this hidden disease. Treatment of osteoporosis has been shown to reduce the risk of subsequent fractures by 30-65 percent. Effective leadership by influential orthopaedic doctors can profoundly influence the bone health of their communities."

To top