OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a reduction in the volume of bone found usually without any change in its absolute mineral content. Up to 50% of all women and 30% of men may suffer fractures related to decreased bone density during their lifetime.

Bone is constantly undergoing a remodelling process with some being made and some being reabsorbed by the body in a constant process. As one ages, the volume of bone reabsorbed outstrips the volume replaced and a gradual loss of bone occurs. In women this is accelerated after menopause.

There are drugs available these days which can reduce fracture risk and the newer drugs have fewer side effects than previously noted.

Drugs are more important as patients age, as their bone mineral density decreases and also if they have had prior fractures. Each contribute independently to an increased fracture risk. 85% of fractures occur in women over 60 years of age and if you have had one fracture, you are much more likely to have another. General preventative measures during your lifestyle can help prevent your risk of osteoporosis. These include increasing your calcium intake, exercising in a weight bearing fashion, avoiding excesses of alcohol and tobacco and getting adequate sunshine for Vitamin D production.

Generally speaking, women under 60 years of age do not need treatment unless they have a specific risk factor.

In women over 60 years of age, the ultimate aim is to prevent hip fractures and a diphosphinate may be used in women over 70 years of age with a low femoral neck (hip) bone mineral density.