Virtual Medical Centre

Osteoporosis

• What is Osteoporosis?
• Who gets Osteoporosis?
• Predisposing Factors
• Progression
• Probable Outcomes
• How is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
• How is Osteoporosis treated?
• Osteoporosis References

What is Osteoporosis?

3D Animation on
Osteoporosis

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Contact Andrew Walbank.

Who gets Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common problem worldwide - it is thought that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men worldwide are affected. The lifetime risk of hip fracture for a caucasian female or male aged 50 years is 15% and 5% respectively. 30% of women and 15% of men aged 80 years or older will experience a hip fracture.

Predisposing Factors

Osteoporosis has many contributing factors. These include age, sex, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle.

• Osteoporosis is much more common in older persons.
• Being Caucasian or Asian, and female increases the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
• Genetic factors are involved. A family history of osteoporosis increases risk, as does a history of connective tissue disorders such as Marfan's syndrome or osteogenesis imperfecta.
• Dietary factors: increasing the dairy intake of adolescents has been shown to improve bone mineralization. However a balanced diet is essential. For instance phosphorus is a component of carbonated drinks, and high phosphorus intake compromises calcium uptake, thereby promoting decreased bone mass. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa also compromise bone density.
• Lifestyle factors are also important. A sedentary lifestyle and immobility increase the risk of osteoporosis. Cigarette Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to have negative effects on bone mass. Certain medications may also have negative effects on bone mineral density.

Progression

Osteoporosis may be divided into types I and II. Secondary osteoporosis also is called type III.

• Type I, or postmenopausal, osteoporosis is thought to result from deficiency of sex hormones (oestrogen, testosterone), resulting in accelerated bone loss.
• Type II, or age-related osteoporosis, occurs in both women and men due to decreased formation of bone occuring later in life. This results in a a more fragile bone structure and increased risk of fractures of the hip, long bones, and vertebrae.
• Type III osteoporosis usually occurs due to medications, endocrine disorders (eg. Cushing's), excessive alcohol intake, smoking, cancer and GIT disorders (due to malabsorption).