Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease, marked by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration that leads to an increased susceptibility to fractures. Fractures are the single most important clinical consequence of osteoporosis and represent a major health problem in the elderly. Low bone mass, skeletal fragility and propensity to fall are the primary determinants of fracture risk in older persons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Osteoporosis diagnosed?
Bone density, a measure of bone mass, can be measured non-invasively using widely available densitometric techniques. This test is called Bone densitometric.
In order to accurately diagnose osteoporosis, it is necessary to perform a bone density evaluation with a dual energy x-ray, absorptiometer (DEXA) or other machine to assess bone mass. This test is painless and quick.
The World Health Organization has defined low bone mass (osteopenia) between 1.0 and 2.5 standard deviations below the mean for young adult women and osteoporosis as a bone density equal to or greater than 2.5 standard deviations below the young adult mean. Women who already have experienced one or more fractures are considered to have “established” osteoporosis.
What happens when you have osteoporosis?
Patients with osteoporosis own bone density are at increased of low trauma spine and hip risk of most types of fractures in elderly women is related to low bone density. Approximately 90% of hip and spine fractures, 70% of wrist fractures and 50% of all other fractures in white women aged 65–84 years are attributable to osteoporosis. 1.3 million fractures per year in the United States are caused by osteoporosis.
Who gets osteoporosis?
- Gender—Women are four times more likely than men to get osteoporosis, with Caucasian and Asian women most at risk.
- Hormone Status—Women who have experienced menopause are at greatest risk. Men with testosterone deficiency are also at risk.
- Calcium Deficiency—A low dietary intake of calcium can contribute to lower bone density.
- Sedentary Lifestyle—Physical activity increases bone mass, while sedentary lifestyles results in lower bone density.
- Body Size—Petite women are more at risk than heavier women because fat cells are sites for estrogen production.
- Family History—A familial history of osteoporosis seems to increase risk.
- Cigarette/Alcohol Use—These agents reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium, thus reducing bone density.
- Medications—Long-term use of corticosteroids, anti-seizure drugs, and excess thyroid hormone can result in osteoporosis.
What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?
Acute symptoms from an osteoporotic fracture could include intense, localized pain and reduced motion.
Chronic Symptoms include bone pain muscle pain and loss of heights, easy fractures of he spine hip and wrist fractures.
How is Osteoporosis Treated?
If you have osteoporosis, your health care provider will advise the following:
- Calcium. Make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet or you might need to consider taking supplements. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 1,000 milligrams (shortened as mg) per day for most adults and 1,200 mg per day for women over age 50 or men over age 70.
- Vitamin D. Get adequate amounts of vitamin D, which is important to help your body absorb calcium from foods you eat. The recommended daily dose is 400–800 International Units (called IU) for adults younger than age 50, and 800–1,000 IU for those age 50 and older. (These are the current guidelines from the National Osteoporosis Foundation.) You may need a different dose depending on your blood level of vitamin D, sometimes as high as 50,000 unit a week for 12 weeks.
- Physical activity. Get exercise most days, especially weight-bearing exercise, such as walking.
