Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Health Program

Dr. Vishnu Sundaresh, an associate professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, established the Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Health Program in 2016. Housed at the Utah Diabetes and Endocrinology Center (UDEC) at 615 Arapeen Drive, Suite #100, Salt Lake City, this unique program delivers high-quality patient care.

This program provides evidence-based intervention through a committed team of endocrinologists, rheumatologists, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, bone density scan (DXA) technicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses. The program also provides education for trainees. Patient education is an integral part of the program. One of several ongoing research projects is a gamified app to educate patients in osteoporosis and involve them in shared-decision making. We are excited to announce that the app will be available for clinical use after validation testing.

Our multidisciplinary team provides patients with comprehensive, one-stop care:

  • Screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders
  • A complete evaluation for causes of pathological bone loss
  • Same day high-quality DXA as available, performed by certified DXA technicians
  • New state-of-the-art DXA which includes advanced imaging options, such as: 
    • Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA)
    • Femur scan to detect atypical fractures
    • Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) to assess bone quality
    • On-site laboratory services
  • DXA reporting by Certified Clinical Densitometrist
  • Fall risk assessment and weight bearing and balance exercises performed by Certified Physical Therapist
  • Recently started infusion center to administer anti-osteoporotic medications such as zoledronic acid (Reclast), denosumab (Prolia), and romosozumab (Evenity)

To refer a patient to this program, please call 801-581-7761.