Osteoporosis

Introduction

• Bones are solid organs that form the skeletal system and are in a constant state of renewal.
• In younger ages, bone formation and rebuilding occur faster than bone breakdown. However, as people age, bone breakdown becomes faster than formation.

What is Osteoporosis?

• A common condition where bones become weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures.
• This condition develops slowly over several years.

Types of Osteoporosis

• Primary Osteoporosis:
  The most common type, occurring due to natural physiological factors.
• Secondary Osteoporosis:
  Occurs due to:
  • An underlying medical condition.
  • Use of certain medications.

Risk Factors

• Non-modifiable Factors:
• Gender.
• Age.
• Family history.
• Body frame size.
• Modifiable Factors
• Smoking.
• Obesity or being underweight.
• Excessive consumption of fast food and soft drinks.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Inadequate exposure to sunlight.
• Hormonal Factors
• Issues with other glands.
• Overactive thyroid hormone.
• Sex hormones.
• Nutritional Factors
• Low calcium intake.
• Eating disorders.
• Gastrointestinal surgery (e.g., reducing stomach size or removing part of the intestine).
• Medication-Related Factors
• Long-term treatment with medications like corticosteroids (e.g., cortisone).
• Medications for conditions such as:
• Diabetes.
• Endometriosis.
• Cancer.
• Thyroid disorders.
• Health Condition-Related Factors
• Diabetes.
• Thalassemia.
• Liver diseases.
• Kidney diseases.
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

• Lower back pain caused by fractures or vertebral dislocation.
• Loss of height with age.
• Curving or bending of the spine.
• Fragility and frequent fractures.

Diagnosis

• Screening for women aged 65 years or older.
• Medical examination for men aged 65 years or older, especially with a history of fractures.
• Diagnostic methods include:
  • Bone density tests using the DEXA machine.
  • Blood tests to measure calcium, vitamin D, and hormone levels.

Complications

• Hip Fractures:
  Often caused by falls and may lead to disability or even death due to surgical complications, especially in the elderly.
• Spinal Fractures:
  May occur without falls due to weak vertebrae, causing compression and resulting in severe pain and a curved posture.

Prevention

• Balanced Diet:
• Ensure sufficient intake of calcium (1,000 mg daily for adults, 1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70).
• Consume vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption, and get adequate sunlight exposure.
• Eat foods that strengthen bones, such as milk, eggs, fish, leafy greens, nuts, and broccoli.
• Physical Activity
• Regular exercise to improve bone density, strengthen muscles, enhance balance, and reduce the risk of falls.
• Fall Prevention:
• Remove obstacles at home.
• Ensure proper lighting.
• Avoid slippery surfaces.
• Regularly visit an eye doctor to check vision health.

Treatment

• Depends on assessing the risk of fractures within the next 10 years using bone density tests.
• Treatment includes:
  • Prescription medications.
  • Hormone therapy or testosterone replacement to improve bone density.