Bone and Mineral Metabolism Clinic
Bone loss that occurs with aging or as a result of several disease conditions is a silent process. You may not see or feel your bones getting weaker until a small fall turns into a serious fracture. Each year, thousands of Kentuckians break bones this way, often from falls that stronger bones could have prevented.
For many, that first fracture is the first sign of osteoporosis, a common condition that makes bones thin, weak and more likely to break.
The good news is most fractures are preventable, and today’s treatments are safer, easier and more effective. You can take simple steps to protect your bones before complications set in. That’s where a dedicated bone health clinic makes the difference.
We provide advanced testing, expert guidance and personalized treatment plans that go beyond routine care. With the right care, you can protect your bones, lower your risk, preserve your independence and stay active.
At UK HealthCare’s Bone and Mineral Metabolism Clinic, we care for people of all ages. Strong bones matter at every stage of life. They help kids grow, keep adults confident and help older adults remain healthy and independent.
What to expect during your first visit
Your first visit includes a full evaluation. We review your health history, including risk factors for bone disease. Then we do a DXA bone-density scan, short for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. It’s a simple, painless test that uses a low-level X-ray to give us a detailed picture of your bone health and a baseline for tracking changes over time.
A bone-density scan can:
- Measure bone mass from the calcium and other mineral content of your bones
- Detect bone loss early before you break a bone
- Spot hidden spine fractures that may not cause symptoms
- Track changes so we can adjust your care if needed
Once we review your results, we will walk through treatment options together. Additional steps would include discussions on lifestyle changes, medicines and follow-up in one of our specialty clinics if needed.
We provide the following care:
- Kids and teens: We provide care for skeletal growth problems, frequent fractures and inherited conditions. We support older children, providing a smooth transition into adult bone care.
- Women’s bone health: We offer treatment for osteoporosis and bone loss at all ages.
- Other health conditions: We care for patients with a variety of conditions that impact bone health, such as patients with:
- Kidney disease or on dialysis
- Bone marrow or any organ transplant
- Autoimmune, hormone, cancer or steroid-related problems
- Fracture and spine care: We support your healing after breaks and work to strengthen your bones before any spinal surgery.
- Rare bone disease clinic: We manage rare genetic and metabolic conditions that affect bone and make the newest treatments available to our patients.
- Medication support: We provide pharmacist-led monitoring to ensure that you get the maximal safety and efficacy of your osteoporosis medicines during their use.
A team approach to bone health
Bone health is often linked with other medical and surgical conditions. That’s why our clinic brings together the expertise of many specialists.
Our team includes nephrologists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, geneticists, orthopedic and pediatric bone experts, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and pharmacists. They work as one team, sharing expertise and adjusting care as needed.
Ongoing support
Starting a new medicine can feel overwhelming. You may have concerns about side effects, safety and cost. We make sure you always have answers and support.
- Medication monitoring: Our pharmacists review labs, adjust doses and answer questions.
- Fracture prevention: Fast action after a break can lower the risk of another.
- Bone biopsy expertise: We are one of the few centers nationwide with this level of testing.
- Convenient care: We offer telehealth, pharmacy support and simple follow-ups that fit your life.
Bone care for kids
Strong bones start in childhood, but many conditions can affect growth. Our Pediatric Bone Clinic cares for children, teens and young adults with inherited and acquired bone conditions. We see kids with frequent fractures, bowed legs, hip problems at birth, rickets, growth-related bone issues and overuse injuries.
We work closely with families to support growth, correct problems and keep kids active. As kids become teens and young adults, we guide them into adult bone care, so support continues without gaps.
Our story
The Bone Program at UK Healthcare is built on the legacy of Dr. Hartmut Malluche, a world-renowned pioneer and researcher in bone disease. His work and teaching over four decades, until he passed in January 2025, established UK’s Division of Nephrology and Bone Mineral Metabolism that rapidly became recognized nationally and internationally. His mentoring and training has shaped the careers of many of our clinic providers, who continue to uphold the same high standards set by him.
Why choose UK HealthCare?
At Kentucky’s top academic health system, you have access to:
- An internationally recognized program in bone health and mineral metabolism
- One of the few U.S. centers that performs bone biopsy diagnosis and reporting
- Advanced medications that cut fracture risk in half and improve bone density
- A specialty pharmacy team that lowers costs and connects people with assistance programs
- Research and clinical trials that expand treatment options for osteoporosis and other bone conditions
How to protect your bones
Even if you don’t need medical treatment, you can take steps to support stronger bones:
- Get enough vitamin D and calcium from food, supplements or sunlight
- Eat a balanced diet with protein
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Stay active with weight-bearing exercise
- Prevent falls by keeping your home safe and your body strong
- Ask about a bone-density scan to set a baseline as you age
Start here
If you or someone you care about has concerns about bone health, talk with your primary care provider about a referral.
Referral information for providers
To refer a patient, submit an order for "Bone" through UK HealthCare EpicCare Link or call UK•MDs at 800-888-5533.