Baton Rouge Clinic Health Library

Diseases & Conditions > Osteoporosis: A Preventable Skeletal Disorder

     Published: 07, 2003

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disorder. It i characterized by a progressive decrease in bone density, causing bones to become brittle, weakened, and easily fractured. Bone mass naturally declines beginning at age 35 and women face a greater risk for osteoporosis after menopause due to accelerated bone loss resulting from reduced production of estrogen, according to Dr. Gary Field an Endocrinologist with The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC.

“About 15-30% of women greater than age 50 have osteoporosis and the number increases with age. Only about 5% of men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis,” said Dr. Field. “Women are three times more likely than men to have an osteoporotic fracture.”

More than 1.3 million osteoporotic fractures occur each year. Half of these are vertebral fractures, 25% are hip fractures, and 25% are forearm fractures. Early diagnosis and determination of bone loss and fracture risk are key, according to Dr. Field, and treatment is available that may slow or even reverse osteoporosis.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include: a family history of osteoporosis, being Caucasian with a fair complexion, decreased estrogen levels in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, overproduction of parathyroid hormone, overproduction or over replacement of thyroid hormones, long term gluc-corticoid therapy, long term use of other medications such as heparin or cyclosporin, inadequate consumption of calcium or vitamin D, excessive caffeine consumption, cigarette smoking, and lack of regular exercise.

Dr. Field says there are several symptoms of osteoporosis.

“The most common symptom is loss of height,” he explained. “ A history of vertebral or hip fractures is common in patients with osteoporosis. Two thirds of vertebral fractures are asymptomatic and are diagnosed on x-rays obtained for other reasons. Back pain is another common symptom of vertebral fractures.”

“Curvature of the spine, known as kyphosis, may also be a clue to the development of osteoporosis,” Dr. Field continued. “Hip fractures are relatively common in patients with osteoporosis, affecting 15 percent of women and 5 percent of men by age 80. These fractures are a major cause of disability in the elderly and are associated with increased mortality.

This increase is usually associated with conditions, other than the fracture itself, which worsens overall health. Finally, there is a marked increase in forearm fractures, known as Colles’ fractures, in osteoporotic patients.”

Osteoporosis is defined as bone mineral density more than 2.5 standard deviations below the mean of normal young women. Diagnosis is made by testing a patient’s bone mineral density. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all women be counseled by a physician concerning risk factors for osteoporosis. Screening for osteoporosis with a bone densitometry should be done on all women before the age of 65 if they have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis in addition to menopause. Such testing is also recommended for all women over the age of 65 regardless of risk factors. Currently, Medicare will reimburse for a bone densitometry every 2 years.

Dr. Field says the best treatment for osteoporosis is to prevent its occurrence.

“Avoiding lifestyle traits which can contribute to osteoporosis, such as excessive alcohol, decreased exercise, excessive caffeine or low calcium consumption, and cigarette smoking, can go a long way towards preventing it,” he said. “All adults should be advised to ensure adequate daily intake of elemental calcium (1500 mg/day) and vitamin D (800 IU/day) Hormone replacement therapy, although controversial, will help prevent calcium loss from the bones.”

If osteoporosis should develop, there are several pharmacological treatments currently available. These should be discussed with your physician to see which would be right for you, according to Dr. Field.

“It is also important to conduct general measures to prevent falls which might lead to fractures,” he added, “including: removing loose rugs and electrical cords from traffic areas, ensuring that there is adequate lighting in all areas inside and outside your home, avoid walking on wet or polished floors or other potentially slippery surfaces, and walking in unfamiliar areas outside. The bathroom is another area that should be made “safe” by installing handles to assist with entering and exiting the shower and other “wet” areas.”

Though prevalent in a number of adults over 50, osteoporosis can be prevented and treated. The key is to understand what causes osteoporosis and how you can help prevent it. Make sure you know what symptoms to look for in identifying osteoporosis, and if the symptoms emerge seek proper treatment. Your physician is the best place to start. If you have any questions contact the Baton Rouge Clinic at (225) 769-4044.

Gary Field, MD
Specializing in Endocrinology

The Baton Rouge Clinic, AMC, offers this information as a courtesy service. Please remember that medical knowledge is always evolving and we cannot represent that any of our information is absolutely current. Please consult a physician before taking any medical action based on information gathered from this or any website.