Definition
Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.
Symptoms
There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:
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Definition
Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.
Symptoms
There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:
Keep reading...
Causes
Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia, which may eventually lead to osteoporosis if not treated.
Researchers estimate that about 1 out of 5 American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. About half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra (bones of the spine).
Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.
Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, your body ...
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Treatment
The goals of osteoporosis treatment are to:
- Control pain associated with the disease
- Slow down or stop bone loss
- Prevent bone fractures by minimizing the risk of falls
There are several different treatments for osteoporosis, including a variety of medications.
BISPHOSPHONATES
Bisphosphonates are a type of drug used for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Several bisphosphonates are approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in the United States. Most are taken by mouth, usually once a day or less. For example, some may be taken once a week.
While side effects are generally mild, potential side effects include stomach upset and irritation of the esophagus. Because bisphosphonates are ...
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Possible Complications
- Compression fractures of the spine
- Hip and wrist fractures
- Disability caused by severely weakened bones
- Loss of ability to walk due to hip fractures
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Outlook (Prognosis)
Some persons with osteoporosis become severely disabled as a result of weakened bones. Hip fractures leave about half of patients unable to walk independently. This is one of the major reasons people are admitted to nursing homes.
Although osteoporosis is debilitating, it does not affect life expectancy.
Prevention
Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bone. Vitamin D is also needed because it helps your body absorb calcium. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you get these and other important nutrients throughout life.
Other tips for prevention:
- Don't smoke
- Avoid drinking excess alcohol
- Get regular exercise
A number of medications are approved for the prevention of osteoporosis.
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Exams and Tests
Bone mineral density testing (specifically a densitometry or DEXA scan) measures how much bone you have. This test has become the gold standard for osteoporosis evaluation. For specific information on such testing, see bone density test .
A spine CT can show loss of bone mineral density. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can evaluate bone density, but is not as available and is more expensive than a DEXA scan.
In severe cases, a spine or hip x-ray may show fracture or collapse of the spinal bones. However, Simple x-rays of bones are not very accurate in predicting who is more likely to have osteoporosis.
A urinary calcium test can provide some evidence of increased bone turnover, but is of limited value. A number of newer tests to evaluate bone turnover are becoming available. Ask your health care provider which test is best for ...
References
Cranney A, Papaioannou A, Zytaruk N, et al. Clinical Guidelines Committee of Osteoporosis Canada. Parathyroid hormone for the treatment of osteoporosis: a systematic review. CMAJ . 2006 Jul 4;175(1):52-9.
Gass M, Dawson-Hughes B. Preventing osteoporosis-related fractures: an overview. Am J Med . 2006 Apr;119(4 Suppl 1):S3-S11. Review.
Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: 2006 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause . 2006 May-Jun;13(3):340-67.
Poole KE, Compston JE. Osteoporosis and its management. BMJ . 2006 Dec 16;333(7581):1251-6. Review.
