Medical Devices

What Is Osteoporosis? What Causes Osteoporosis?

has osteopenia (not osteoporosis) *Below minus 2.5 - the patient has osteoporosis. The DEXA scan is fast, simple and accurate. It measures bone density in the most likely areas to be affected by osteoporosis - the spine, hip and wrist. It also follows changes in these bones over time. *Dental X-rays - Researchers in the school of dentistry at the University of Manchester have created a unique way of identifying osteoporosis sufferers from ordinary dental X-rays. *Ultrasound - an ultrasound scan can also provide a doctor with a reliable indication of bone density. *CT (computerized tomography) - this can also provide a doctor with a reliable indication of bone density. *Measuring calcium intake in men - a study revealed that measuring a man"s daily calcium intake is an effective way of identifying prostate cancer patients with a higher than average risk of osteoporosis. Who should have a test? The National Osteoporosis Foundation says women should have a bone density test if they aren"t taking estrogen and: *Are aged 65 or over *Are postmenopausal and have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis *Have an abnormality in their spine *Are taking medications which may raise the risk of osteoporosis *Have Type 1 diabetes *Have a liver disease *Have a kidney disease *Have a thyroid disease *Have a family history of osteoporosis *Have experienced early menopause Doctors do not usually advise men to have routine osteoporosis tests because it is far less common among men. Treatment for osteoporosis *HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) - for women going through the menopause HRT helps prevent bone density loss, thus reducing the risk of fractures during treatment. In many cases, though, HRT is not recommended as the first osteoporosis treatment, because it can raise her risk of having a stroke, heart disease and breast cancer. It is important that the patient discuss this option with a doctor. *Testosterone treatment - when a man has osteoporosis because of low testosterone production, testosterone treatment may be recommended. However, as with breast cancer, testosterone may accelerate the growth of prostate cancer as well as increasing the risk of prostate cancer recurrence. *Bisphosphonates - these help prevent bone density loss and are non-hormonal drugs. The breakdown rate of bone by osteoclasts is slowed down while the production of new bone is speeded up. If biphosphonates are unsuitable strontium ranelate might be a good alternative. Taking just one pill per month may help slow down bone loss, this study revealed. Side effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, inflamed esophagus, esophageal ulcers (especially for patients who have had acid reflux) - side effects may be severe. A study revealed that short term use of oral bisphosphonates may leave the jaw vulnerable to devastating necrosis (death of bone tissue). *Calcitonin - this inhibits the cells that break down bone. Calcitonin is a hormone made by the thyroid gland. *Calcium and vitamin D supplements - these may help older patients lower their risk of hip fractures. Sunlight is the best of vitamin D. If patients do not have access to sunlight, as may be the case during the winter in some countries, the doctor may recommend a supplement. A Canadian study found that less than half (43%) of patients in Europe with osteoporosis are claiming to take both calcium and vitamin D supplementation with their osteoporosis treatment. *SERMs (Selective estrogen receptor modulators) - these drugs help prevent bone density loss. They mimic the beneficial effects of estrogen on bone density in postmenopausal women - however, without the risk of triggering cancers. Raloxifene is an example of this type of drug. Patients who have a history of blood clots should not take this medication. A common side effect is hot flashes. This drug is only approved for women with osteoporosis, not men. *Stem cell therapy - scientists report that stem cells could halt osteoporosis, promote bone growth - and new pathways that controls bone remodeling. Complications of osteoporosis *Fractures in the spinal column can cause loss of height because the spine cannot bear the person"s body weight, leading to the characteristic hunched posture. These fractures may occur without any fall or blow to the bones. *Minor falls can cause fractures to the wrist, neck, forearm, and hip bones. *Weakened bones can cause disability and loss of mobility. *Hip replacements are frequently required after a fracture, making it extremely difficult for the person to walk without help. *Death can result from postoperative complications, especially if the osteoporosis patient is elderly. *Many patients with osteoporosis have to be looked after in nursing homes as a result of loss of mobility. Prevention *Calcium - Make sure your calcium intake is adequate. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) says adults under 50 years of age need 1,000 mg of calcium per day, while people over 50 need 1,200 mg of calcium each day. *Vitamin D - Make sure your vitamin D intake is adequate. Remember that sunlight is a brilliant of vitamin D. You need vitamin D for your body to be able to absorb calcium. The NOF says people under 50 require 400-800 IU of vitamin D daily, while those over 50 require 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Two types of vitamin D supplements are available - vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Some research suggests that vitamin D3 is better, while others indicate that it does not matter. *Exercise - Make sure you are physically active. The best exercises to prevent osteoporosis are those in which you have to carry the weight of your body, such as walking, dancing, jogging, stair-climbing, racquet sports and hiking. This study reveals that cycling does not help prevent osteoporosis - in fact, the opposite may be the case. *Soy - Eat soy and soy products. They contain plant estrogens which help maintain bone density. *Smoking - Quit smoking. *HRT - Consider hormone therapy (HRT). However, bear in mind the risk of cancers for some people. Talk about this with your doctor. *Alcohol - Control your consumption of alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption is closely linked to loss of bone mass. *Caffeine - Do not consume too much caffeine. Remember that many sodas (fizzy drinks) also contain caffeine. Written by Christian Nordqvist Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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