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Definition
Osteoporosis is when bones become weak and brittle. If left unchecked, it can lead to bone breaks (fracture). Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist.
Osteoporosis
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Causes
Throughout life, old bone is removed and new bone is added to the skeleton. During childhood and adolescence, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become heavier, larger, and denser. Peak bone mass is reached at around age 30. From that point, more bone is lost than replaced. If not treated, bone losses may lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more likely to occur if full bone mass was not achieved during the bone-building years.
Bone density also plays a role in bone health. Bone density is determined by the amount of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals within the bone framework. As the mineral content of a bone (especially calcium) decreases, the bone weakens. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D and exercising regularly can keep bones strong throughout life.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:
Sex: femaleAge: risk increases with ageBody size: small, underweight womenRace: Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic womenFamily members with osteoporosisPostmenopausal status No menstrual periods (amenorrhea)Low-calcium diet Medications: Immunosuppressants, such as prednisone and other steroids, methotrexate, cyclosporineThyroid drugsAnticonvulsantsAluminum-containing antacidsCholesterol-lowering drugsLong-term heparin therapyAntidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)Inhaled steroidsLow estrogen levels in womenLow testosterone levels in menInactive lifestyleToo little sunlightDepressionAnorexiaCigarette smokingExcessive use of alcohol, coffee, and tea Diseases including: Liver disease, including cirrhosisHyperthyroidismScurvyAlcoholismMarfan's, Ehler-Danlos, and osteogenesis imperfecta syndromes Cushing's syndromeHyperparathyroidism Cancer, including lymphoma and multiple myeloma Gastrointestinal disorders, including celiac disease and other malabsorptive disorders Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (particularly men) Inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus Symptoms Symptoms include:
Pain when bones break or collapseSevere back pain with fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips, or other bonesLoss of height with stooped posture (kyphosis) Kyphosis 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Early signs of osteoporosis can be seen with bone density testing:Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometrymeasures bone density in the entire body Single-energy x-ray absorptiometrymeasures bone density in the arm or heelDental x-rays of boneUltrasound bone density measurementmeasures bone density in fingers, heels, and leg bones Other tests may include: Blood and urine teststo test for calcium levels or substances created when bone is broken downFor older men, the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that your doctor check for risk factors for osteoporosis. The ACP also recommends that you have a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry done if you are at an increased risk and are a candidate for drug therapy.* TreatmentTreatment includes: Nutrition Decrease your intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is in: Dairy productsGreen leafy vegetablesCanned fish with bonesCalcium-fortified products SmokingDo not smoke. If you smoke, quit.
ExerciseExercise improves bone health. It also increases muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Do weight-bearing and strength-training exercises for maximum benefit. Balance training may prevent falls and fractures. Dietary Supplements People who cannot consume enough calcium from food might want to take calcium supplements. Calcium citrate has the best absorption and is well-tolerated. Other vitamins and minerals may be recommended, including vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K. A study showed that Japanese postmenopausal women who took vitamin K supplements had a reduced rate of fractures. Talk to your doctor or dietician before you begin taking dietary supplements.* MedicationsMedications to prevent bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce the risk of spine and hip fractures:Raloxifene (Evista) Bisphosphonates (alendronate [Fosamax], risedronate [Actonel]) CalcitoninFluorideRecombinant parathyroid hormone (Teriparitide) Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Although HRT (including estrogen replacement therapy, or ERT) may cut the risk of osteoporosis in half, research shows a strong association between longer-term ERT or HRT use and a significantly increased risk of invasive breast cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Be sure to discuss all of the health risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your doctor to determine if it is right for you.
HRT therapy may include: Estrogen alone (ERT) Estrogen and progestinfrequently preferred for women with an intact uterus because ERT slightly increases the risk of uterine cancerFoods containing soymay improve bone mass because these foods contain plant estrogens HRT can: Reduce bone lossIncrease bone densityReduce the risk of hip and spinal fractures in postmenopausal women Safety Measures Falls can increase the chance of fracture in someone with osteoporosis. Here are ways to prevent falls:Use a cane or walker for stability.Wear rubber-soled shoes for traction.Use plastic or carpet runners when possible.Keep rooms free of clutter.Install grab bars in bathrooms. Prevention Building strong bones throughout the early years is the best defense against osteoporosis. There are four steps to prevent osteoporosis: A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin DWeight-bearing exerciseHealthful lifestyle (no smoking and moderate alcohol) Bone density testing and medications where appropriate: FosamaxActonelEvista RESOURCES: The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseaseshttp://www.osteo.org/ National Osteoporosis Foundation
http://www.nof.org/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: Osteoporosis Canadawww.osteoporosis.ca/ Women's Health Mattershttp://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm/ References: Fall prevention. National Osteoporosis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nof.org/patientinfo/fall_prevention.htm. Accessed June 10, 2008. Khosla L, Melton LJ. Clinical practice: osteopenia. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:2293-2300. Nelson M. Strong Women, Strong Bones: Everything You Need to Prevent, Treat, and Beat Osteoporosis. New York, NY: Putnam; 2000. Sambrook P, Cooper C. Osteoporosis. Lancet. 2006;367(9527):2010-2018. *10/6/06 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Cockayne S, Adamson J, Lanham-New S, et al. Vitamin K and the prevention of fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1256-1261. *5/16/08 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Qaseem A, Snow V, Shekelle P, Hopkins R Jr, Forciea MA, Owens DK; Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee of the American College of Physicians. Screening for osteoporosis in men: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148:680-684.
Last reviewed December 2007 by Jill Landis, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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