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Osteoporosis: A debilitating disease that
can be prevented and treated.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become
fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented
or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress
painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones,
also known as fractures, occur typically in the
hip, spine, and wrist. Any bone can be affected,
but of special concern are fractures of the hip
and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires
hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair
a person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause
prolonged or permanent disability or even death.
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| Spinal or vertebral fractures also
have serious consequences, including loss of height,
severe back pain, and deformity. |
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| Definition |
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized
by low bone mass and structural deterioration of
bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased
susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip,
spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected. |
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Women
Eighty percent of those affected by osteoporosis
are women.
Five percent of non-Hispanic black women over age
50 are estimated to have osteoporosis; an estimated
additional 35 percent have low bone mass that puts
them at risk of developing osteoporosis. Ten percent
of Hispanic women aged 50 and older are estimated
to have osteoporosis, and 49 percent are estimated
to have low bone mass.
Twenty percent of non-Hispanic white and Asian women
aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis,
and 52 percent are estimated to have low bone mass.
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Men
Twenty percent of those affected by osteoporosis
are men.
Seven percent of non-Hispanic white and Asian men
aged 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis
and 35 percent are estimated to have low bone mass.
Four percent of non-Hispanic black men aged 50 and
older are estimated to have osteoporosis and 19
percent are estimated to have low bone mass.
Three percent of Hispanic men aged 50 and older
are estimated to have osteoporosis and 23 percent
are estimated to have low bone mass. |
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Fractures
One in two women and one in four men over age 50
will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their
remaining lifetime.
Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million
fractures annually, including:
- over 300,000 hip fractures; and approximately
- 700,000 vertebral fractures;
- 250,000 wrist fractures; and
- 300,000 fractures at other sites
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| Symptoms
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Osteoporosis is often called the "silent disease"
because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People
may not know that they have osteoporosis until their
bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump
or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse.
Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen
in the form of severe back pain, loss of height,
or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped
posture. |
| Risk Factors |
Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis
than others.
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing
osteoporosis are called "risk factors."
These risk factors include:
- Personal history of fracture after age 50
- Current low bone mass
- History of fracture in a 1° relative
- Being female
- Being thin and/or having a small frame
- Advanced age
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause,
especially early or surgically induced
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Low lifetime calcium intake
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids
and anticonvulsants
- Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
- Low testosterone levels in men
- An inactive lifestyle
- Current cigarette smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol
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| Detection |
Specialized tests called bone density tests
can measure bone density in various sites of the
body. A bone density test can:
- Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.
- Predict your chances of fracturing in the
future.
- DXA BMD can determine your rate of bone
loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment.
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| Prevention |
By about age 20, the average woman has acquired
98 percent of her skeletal mass. Building strong
bones during childhood and adolescence can be the
best defense against developing osteoporosis later.
There are five steps, which together, can optimize
bone health and help prevent osteoporosis.They are:
- A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin
D;
- Weight-bearing exercise;
- A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive
alcohol intake;
- Talking to your healthcare professional
about bone health; and
- Bone density testing and medication when
appropriate.
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