You rely on your bones to stay strong at all times. But as we age, the cells inside of our bones begin to dissolve, causing weaknesses. Often, people won’t feel any symptoms of weakened bones until they suffer a painful fracture.

Our team at Northwest Specialty Hospital can help shed light on the “silent disease” of bone health conditions that affect older men and women. Endocrinologist Tanya Blaty, DO, with Northwest Bone Health, specializes in osteoporosis and osteopenia. With her expert guidance, you can strengthen your bones and remain active and independent for as long as possible.

Bone Health for Women and Men

You rely on your bones to stay strong at all times. But as we age, the cells inside of our bones begin to dissolve, causing weaknesses. Often, people won’t feel any symptoms of weakened bones until they suffer a painful fracture.

Our team at Northwest Specialty Hospital can help shed light on the “silent disease” of bone health conditions that affect older men and women. Endocrinologist Tanya Blaty, DO, with Northwest Bone Health, specializes in osteoporosis and osteopenia. With her expert guidance, you can strengthen your bones and remain active and independent for as long as possible.

Expert bone health care in Post Falls

No matter where you’re located in the Inland Northwest region, our team can assess and treat your bone health. We offer state-of-the-art imaging tests to measure the quality and structure of your bones. Plus, we offer therapies that can prevent bone loss from happening or even make your bones stronger.

Why choose Northwest Specialty Hospital for Bone Health?

State-of-the-art screening. Our dual-energy X-ray (DXA) scanner is more advanced than those at other providers in North Idaho. You benefit from an easy, quick scan that uses very little radiation. Using this leading-edge technology, our team can calculate a trabecular bone score (TBS) that tells us the quality of your bones. We can also perform a vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) to help identify spine fractures.

A personalized approach to bone health. We tailor your treatment to your specific needs and risk factors. For some people, the right “prescription” may mean a more active lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing and muscle-building exercise plus fall prevention techniques. For others, Vitamin D or calcium supplements may be beneficial. Others may need oral or IV medications or other therapies. No matter your needs, our team can help.

Who should get a DXA scan?

Anyone who is at risk for osteoporosis and osteopenia should get a DXA scan, including:

• All women aged 65 and older
• All men aged 70 and older
• Women who are aged 50 and over who have gone through menopause and have certain risk factors. Talk with your primary care doctor to learn whether you qualify.

Will insurance cover my DXA scan?

Medicare Part B covers DXA scans once every 24 months or more often if medically necessary. If you don’t have Medicare, many insurers cover DXA scans for people who are at risk for bone health conditions. Northwest Specialty Hospital is contracted with most major insurance providers.

Local care for osteoporosis, osteopenia, and other bone conditions

People from Coeur d’Alene to the Spokane Valley—and everywhere in between—can access expert Bone Health care. We treat the following conditions related to low bone density:

Osteopenia

Osteopenia is a mild thinning of the bone. It’s the earliest sign that a person is losing bone density, putting them at risk for fractures. Having osteopenia is a warning sign of osteoporosis. It can happen starting as early as age 50.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone.” It’s more significant than osteopenia and indicates serious reductions in both bone density and strength. Osteoporosis often happens silently and progressively. The more fragile your bones become due to osteoporosis, the more likely you are to suffer a serious fracture. This includes hip fractures, which can be debilitating.

About 30% of people who develop a hip fracture at an older age die within the first year, and 50% of people who have a hip fracture don’t regain their full function. Many end up in skilled nursing facilities or can’t walk properly again.

Osteoporosis affects 200 million women worldwide, including:

Vitamin D and Calcium Deficiencies

Vitamin D and calcium both promote bone strength. Some people may get enough vitamin D and calcium from the foods they eat. Often, however, people will need supplements to make up for the deficiency. Our experts will assess your vitamin D and calcium intake and help you develop a plan to move forward.

Bone Optimization Prior to Total Joint Replacement and Spine Surgery

About 90% of older people who need total joint replacement or spine surgery are found to have low bone density. Additionally, bone density can decline in older people following total joint replacement. If you’re scheduled for a total joint replacement surgery and have osteopenia or osteoporosis, we can help increase your chances for a full recovery.

Treatments for osteoporosis and osteopenia in the Inland Northwest

Northwest Bone Health offers a variety of treatments and novel therapies that can help prevent bone loss from happening, build your bones back, and prevent fractures. These include:

Oral and IV bisphosphonates

These prescription medicines can slow down bone resorption, which can improve bone density and reduce your risk for fractures. Oral bisphosphonates include Alendronate (Fosamax®), Risedronate (Actonel®), and Ibandronate (Boniva®). IV bisphosphonates include Pamidronate Disodium (Aredia®), Zoledronic Acid (Reclast®), and Zoledronic Acid (Zometa®).

Denosumab (Prolia®)

This prescription medicine stops the development of bone-removing cells before they can reach the skin and damage the bones. They’re especially effective for postmenopausal women. Prolia is delivered with a shot under the skin once every six months.

Teriparatide (FORTEO®)

FORTEO is a synthetic form of a parathyroid hormone that stimulates the formation of new bone and regulates calcium metabolism. It can also slow bone loss while increasing bone mass and strength. It’s an injectable medication.

How to inject FORTEO

FORTEO troubleshooting

Abaloparatide (TYMLOS®)

TYMLOS is an injection that can increase bone strength and reduce the risk for bone and spine fractures.

How to take TYMLOS

TYMLOS Clinical Educator Network

Romosozumab-aqqg (Evenity®)

Evenity is an injectable medication for women at high risk of fracture.

Meet Our Providers

Tanya Blaty, DO

Bone Health

Learn More About Bone Health

Review these additional resources.

Better Bone Health PDF

National Osteoporosis Foundation

Strides for Strong Bones

Calcium Calculator