Musculoskeletal

Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. This can be a debilitating disease, although it can be prevented and treated. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.

Risk Factors
Millions of Americans are at risk. While women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis. Significant risk has been reported in people of all ethnic backgrounds. While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, it can strike at any age. If you fall into one or more of the following categories, you may be at risk for osteoporosis:

• Post-menopausal women
• Women with a family history of osteoporosis
• Caucasian and Asian women
• Women who are thin or small boned
• Alcohol consumption of three or more drinks daily
• Scoliosis
• Smoking
• Steroid use

Prevention Tips
Osteoporosis is largely preventable for most people. Prevention of this disease is very important because, while there are treatments for osteoporosis, there is currently no cure.

Calcium
This mineral is needed for the heart, muscles and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot. Inadequate calcium is thought to contribute to the development of osteoporosis. National nutrition surveys have shown that many women and young girls consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to grow and maintain healthy bones.

Vitamin D
Without enough vitamin D, you will be unable to absorb calcium from the foods you eat and your body will have to take calcium from your bones. Vitamin D comes from two sources: through the skin, following direct exposure to sunlight, and from the diet. Experts recommend a daily intake of between 400 and 800 IU per day, which also can be obtained from fortified dairy products, egg yolks, saltwater fish and liver.

Exercise
If you exercise regularly in childhood and adolescence, you are more likely to reach your peak bone density than those who are inactive. The best exercise for your bones is weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, dancing, jogging, stair climbing, racquet sports and hiking. If you have been sedentary most of your adult life, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program.

Diagnostic Tests
A Bone Mineral Density test is the only way to diagnose osteoporosis and determine your risk for future fracture. Since osteoporosis can go undetected for decades before a fracture occurs, early diagnosis is important. The DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptionetry) is a painless, non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density. The test itself takes only 15 to 20 minutes. Results determine if there is any bone loss and the amount of bone loss, based on your age and normal scores for others of your age.

Medications for Prevention and Treatment
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis. These medications slow or stop bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce fracture risk. You should consult with your physician to determine the prevention and treatment course that is best for you.