Επιστροφή
SpineOsteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases. One in three postmenopausal women and one in five men over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis.
Bones have the ability to adapt their shape and size, corresponding to the size and type of mechanical loads they receive.
However, in the case of osteoporotic patients, reduced bone mass and disorders in the architecture of the bone structure are observed, which increases the risk of fracture.
Fractures have a significant impact on quality of life and reduce the life expectancy of osteoporotic patients.
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Osteoporosis is divided into primary osteoporosis, associated with menopause or the passage of age, and secondary osteoporosis.
The most common form is postmenopausal, which occurs in women during menopause and is interrelated to estrogen reduction.
Osteoporosis in the elderly occurs after the age of 70 and can affect both sexes.
Secondary osteoporosis occurs either, in patients with specific conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) or in patients taking medication that includes cortisone, antiepileptic pills, etc.
Several factors can affect osteoporosis. These are divided into factors that can be modified with daily habits or non-modifiable factors, such as:
Osteoporosis is an “insidious” disease. The absence of symptoms for a long time is its characteristic. Years can pass with continuous alteration of bone mass until the first symptom appears, which is the fracture. Patients who have suffered an osteoporotic fracture have an increased risk of developing a subsequent fracture by 86%.
The vast majority of osteoporotic fractures concern the spine, the hip joint and the hip. Osteoporotic fractures can also occur in other bones.
There is a possibility that the fracture appears with the indication of pain in the back and without any previous trauma.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is simple and is done by measuring bone density.
Bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2), as measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), is the standard method for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring osteoporotic patients.
The measurement of bone density is done in the lumbar spine and at the near end of the femur.
However, in order to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the problem, your doctor may use more complex fracture risk assessment models which, in addition to bone density, and take into account other risk factors.
Example of calculation of the absolute ten-year fracture risk for osteoporotic fracture in a 65-year-old woman and body mass index (BMI) = 25 kg/m2.
With modern therapeutic possibilities for osteoporosis, the inhibition of additional bone loss, the increase of bone mass and the reduction of the likelihood of fracture can be achieved.
Among the medications taken are calcium and vitamin D.
The treatment plan is determined by the doctor, for each patient individually, taking into account the specific characteristics of the person.
The measurement of bone density will show normal or abnormal values that may indicate osteoporosis. It is the only test that offers a reliable diagnosis of the condition. The lower the bone density value, the greater the risk of fracture.
The examination will reveal how weak the bones are, assess the risk of fracture in the next period and evaluate whether bone mass improves or worsens.
Bone density testing should be repeated every one to two years in patients already on medication.
If your doctor reports that you have osteopenia, it means that the bone density is low but not enough to make you diagnosed with osteoporosis. Osteopenia does not mean that you necessarily lose bone mass, you may simply belong to the category of those whose bone mass has always been low. That is, for your own body, this value is normal. This category includes people with hereditary low bone frequency, with a particular body type or with specific diseases.
In the case of osteopenia, a second bone mass measurement should be performed. The doctor will make a comparison of the two measurements and evaluate whether there is indeed a loss of bone mass or if this value found in the first measurement is stable. Sometimes it may take a 2nd and 3rd measurement for the doctor to decide whether or not you need medication.
A careful diet depending on gender and age is the basis for the prevention of osteoporosis. Getting the necessary amount of calcium and vitamin D is very important, along with a physical activity program.
Regulating hormones in cases of early menopause or amenorrhea for a long time is essential.
Particular attention should be paid to maintaining normal body weight and quitting smoking.
Finally, in cases where cortisone is required, it should be done according to the instructions of the attending physician and in very carefully measured quantities.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, please do not hesitate to contact us.