Approximately 10 million people in the U.S. are estimated to have osteoporosis. And, an additional 34 million are estimated to have low bone mass—the precursor to osteoporosis and related fractures.

Even with these numbers, people often fail to think about osteoporosis and its detrimental results on their lives until they have it. This is unfortunate, especially as our population and the number of people with osteoporosis increases.

What is Osteoporosis? How can simple steps prevent this disease and improve our lives?

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone density and deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to fragile bones that are more likely to break.

Women, in particular, have high rates of osteoporosis—eight times more women than men have the disease.

“When women reach menopause, they experience rapid bone loss,” says Dr. Joe Minchew, of North Carolina Orthopaedics Clinic. “Research is showing that this is caused by the loss of estrogen.”

One in two women over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime—debilitating injuries that would not occur in normal bone.

According to Dr. Minchew, the most critical fractures caused by osteoporosis are those of the hips and spine. Hip fractures almost always require hospitalization and major surgery and can impede a person’s ability to walk unassisted. They may even cause permanent disability or death. Fractures of the vertebrate or spine can also have serious results, including severe back pain and loss of height.

The good news is that osteoporosis can be prevented if a person builds strong bone mass at an early age.

“The key time to prevent osteoporosis later in life is birth through age 25,” says Dr. Minchew. “If you build strong bones during these critical years, it is not as big of a deal when you begin to loose bone mass, because you will still maintain enough bone density to have the strength you need for optimum health through the end of your life.”

The most critical ages for building bone mass are age 0 to 25. These guidelines are crucial for building bone mass and maintaining healthy bone through post menopause:

• Get adequate amounts of Calcium—about 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams per day are recommended. 1 cup of milk=300 milligrams.
• Limit soda intake—sodas inhibit Calcium absorption.
• Exercise—weight-bearing activity creates new and stronger bone (heavier people usually have stronger bones because they must build strong bones to hold themselves up).
• Do not smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol—this inhibits the formation of bones.

For detection of bone loss and osteoporosis, bone density scans are recommended for all post-menopausal women. Bone density scanners use minimal radiation to measure for bone loss, the major risk factor for osteoporosis.

If detected early, osteoporosis can be treated and additional bone loss can be prevented with medicines and braces. Some medications include Biophosphates, Calcitonin,estrogen/hormone therapy and parathyroid hormones.

New Surgical Treatments for Fractures

Kyphoplasty and verteboplasty are the newest surgical treatments for fractures. These surgeries are similar, and are performed by inserting cement-like substances into the vertebrate.

Kyphoplasty actually places a balloon into the bone in order to create a pocket for holding cement.

Doctors are looking into developing other substances that can be inserted into bone to actually grow new bone.

Reminders for preventing fractures:

• Prevent accidents that cause fractures—remove clutter, such as stacked magazines, and loose rugs.
• Get your recommended daily allowance of Calcium.
• Do weight-bearing exercise, such as walking.

“The real key to bone health is the right lifestyle in your critical growing years. Hopefully, children will get the nutrition and exercise necessary they need today to build the strong bones they will need for tomorrow—so that 45 years from now, osteoporosis will not be a major health issue,” says Minchew.

What is a Bone Density Scan?

A bone density scan uses minimal radiology to obtain a scan of the bone and to show the bone’s density level.

DRH Radiology Department has purchased a densitometer (also referred to as DEXA) to scan bone density. Manufactured by Lunar Prodigy Advance®, this is the newest densitometer model with all the latest advances in Bone Densitometry testing.

Bone density tests are recommended for all post-menopausal women, because if bone loss is found early it can be corrected with treatment.

For more information, contact the Durham Regional Mammography Team at 470-8416.

Another good source is the National Osteoporosis Foundation website (www.nof.org). To help you understand your own personal risk of osteoporosis and the debilitating fractures which accompany the disease, get the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s brochure, “Take Action: Healthy Bones, Build Them for Life!” This brochure includes a list of questions to help you understand your risk, as well as tips for building healthy bones at any age. Read this brochure online, or request a free single copy of the brochure at (202) 223-2226.