Assignment: 01: Osteoporosis
Assignment: 01: Osteoporosis
Assignment: 01: Osteoporosis
Assignment:
01
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteopenia,by definition, is a condition of bone that is slightly less dense than normal bone but not
to the degree of bone in osteoporosis.
Unavoidable factors
According to the American College of rheumatology nonmodifiable risk factors include:
Age: Risk increases after the mid-30s and especially after menopause.
Reduced sex hormones: Lower estrogen levels appear to make it harder for bone to
regenerate.
Ethnicity: White people and Asian people have a higher risk than other ethnic groups.
Height and weight: Being over 5 feet 7 inches tall or weighing under 125 pounds increases
the risk.
Genetic factors: Having a close family member with a diagnosis of hip fracture or
osteoporosis makes osteoporosis more likely.
Fracture history: A person over 50 years of age with previous fractures after a low-level
injury is more likely to receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Vertebral (spinal) compression fractures are broken bones in the back that are due to weak bones
caused by osteoporosis. The vertebrae (spinal bone) collapses as a result of even minor injuries
related to falling, bending, twisting, or sneezing. As the bones of the spine lose their mineralization
and strength, they can collapse, causing a hunched-over appearance, often referred to as a
“dowager hump.”
2.Stress Fracture
Stress fractures occur in bones due to repetitive injuries, usually with minimal trauma. Patients with
osteoporosis are more prone to stress fractures because of the weakness of their bone.
3.Hip Fracture
Patients with osteoporosis are at greater risk for hip fractures. Even a simple fall can cause a hip
fracture in a person with osteoporosis. Due to the weakness in the bones these injuries may take a
long time or be difficult to fully heal.
Osteoporosis is often diagnosed on an X-ray when the patient suffers a fracture. However,
by the time,osteoporosis is visible on X-ray there may be significant bone loss.A dual energy
X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scan can be used as a screening test for osteopenia
(bone loss that precedes osteoporosis). This test measures bone density in the hip and
spine and is more precise than an X-ray.
How Is Osteoporosis Treated and
Prevented?
There is no current cure for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis treatment involves stopping further bone
loss, and strengthening bones that show signs of weakness. Prevention of osteoporosis is key.
1. Exercise
2. Quit Smoking and Curtail Alcohol
3.Calcium Supplements
4.Calcium-Fortified Foods
5.Vitamin D
7.Medications
The End