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Osteoporosis
has become a major health concern among patients and
physicians. It is a significant public health problem
associated with 1.5 million fractures in the United
States each year. Although osteoporosis is commonly
thought of in post-menopausal women, younger women and
men with certain risk factors may also be at risk.
Osteoporosis
literally means "porous bone", and occurs when the amount
of bone mineral in the skeleton declines to a dangerous
low. The number one risk factor for fracture in the
elderly is osteoporosis and the most devastating injury
commonly associated is fracture of the hip. Osteoporosis
is the underlying cause of greater than 90% of hip fractures
in elderly women, typically arising from minor trauma.
Between 10-15% of people who have an osteoporotic
hip fracture die within one year, and some 60% never
regain their pre-injury level of mobility or independence.
Estrogen
deficiency, which occurs at menopause, is the most common
cause of osteoporosis. Women who have early menopause,
prior to age 40, women with a history of irregular menses,
female athletes, and those with a history of anorexia
may also have osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency.
Although not nearly as common, men with low levels of
testosterone may also be at risk for osteoporosis. It
is not as common among men because their bones are more
dense, and their bone mass is greater at baseline.
Corticosteroid use is also a major cause of osteoporosis.
These include prednisone, cortef, hydrocortisone, solumedrol,
and dexamethasone. They are commonly used to treat illnesses
such as asthma, emphysema, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's
disease, and colitis. Short courses (less than 6 weeks)
are safe, but prolonged use is associated with significant
bone loss.
Other factors which may contribute to a person's
osteoporosis risk include: smoking, excessive alcohol
use, family history, and low body mass index or body
weight.
Osteoporosis
has no symptoms; before a fracture happens there is
no warning that the bone is so weak. The best way to
diagnose osteoporosis and to assess your risk of fracture
is to have a bone density test. One of the most accurate
bone density tests is called a Dual Energy X-ray
Absorptiometry (DEXA) Scan. Its painless, takes
just a few minutes, is virtually 100% accurate, and
will tell your doctor whether your bone mass is normal
or below normal.
DEXA
scans are now being done at our Prince Frederick office.
If your doctor does not suggest one, ask about it. You
may be at risk, and this disease is treatable.
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