Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis 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 to their shape and size, responding to the size and type of mechanical loads they receive.

However, in the case of osteoporotic patients, reduced bone mass and disturbances 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 survival expectancy of osteoporotic patients.

Forms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is divided into primary osteoporosis, associated with menopause or aging, and secondary osteoporosis.

The most common form is postmenopausal, which occurs in women during menopause and is interrelated with the decrease in estrogen.

Osteoporosis of the elderly occurs after the age of 70 and can affect both sexes.

Secondary osteoporosis occurs either in patients with specific diseases (eg rheumatoid arthritis) or in patients receiving medication that includes cortisone, antiepileptic pills, etc.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis is an “insidious” disease. The absence of symptoms for a long time is characteristic of it. It can take years with continuous bone loss until the first symptom is a fracture. Patients who have suffered an osteoporotic fracture have an 86% increased risk of developing a subsequent fracture. The vast majority of osteoporotic fractures involve the spine, pelvic joint and hip. Osteoporotic fractures can also occur in other bones. There is a case of the fracture appearing with the indication of pain in the waist and without any previous injury.

Treatment

With modern treatment for osteoporosis, inhibition of extra bone loss, increase in bone mass and reduction of the chance of fracture can be achieved. Among the medicines taken are calcium and vitamin D. The treatment plan is determined by the doctor, for each patient individually, taking into account the special characteristics of the person.