Osteoporosis will affect one in two women and one in five men during their lifetime. We provide a bone densitometry service for the assessment, diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.

We use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess bone density, as recommended by the Royal Osteoporosis Society. The usual examination sites are the lumbar spine and the hip, which are the best general indicators of bone density. Where appropriate, we are also able to measure the forearm or the whole body, or to perform vertebral morphometry to look at the shape of the spine.

We are able to calculate 10-year fracture probabilities using the fracture risk assessment tool, FRAX.

Patient education sessions, led by the osteoporosis nurse, are run for patients with osteoporosis or low bone mass who wish to find out more about their condition.

This non-invasive diagnostic technique captures images using a thermal-imaging camera that detects infra-red radiation emitted from our bodies. This allows us to map a patient's skin temperature distribution. Skin temperature is affected by a variety of rheumatological conditions; anything which changes the supply of blood to the skin will affect the temperature pattern observed. Thermal imaging can be particularly useful in the diagnosis and management of conditions such as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome and Raynaud's Syndrome.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy enables changes in the capillaries (small blood vessels) at the folds of skin around the nail to be investigated. Changes in these capillaries are seen in patients with connective tissue diseases including dermatomyositis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. The nailbed of a finger is painted with liquid paraffin oil, which allows the capillaries below the skin surface to be seen under a microscope. Images of each section of the nailbed are digitally recorded and analysed.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a condition in which high pressure builds up within a muscle during exercise, and causes pain. It usually occurs in the lower limbs, and is most frequently seen in active people who undergo periods of intense physical training. Compartmental pressure studies are designed to help diagnose whether a patient is suffering from this condition. The study is performed jointly by a clinician and a clinical scientist. During the appointment, the patient runs on a treadmill for 10 minutes, and the pressures in the affected muscle are recorded.