Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a painless condition and you may only find out that you have this if you get checked out. The most common osteoporotic fractures are wrist (distal radius), hip (proximal femur) and spine (thoracic and lumbar vertebral) fractures. A hip fracture can have serious effects on an elderly person’s independence and confidence. Once a fragility fracture has been identified, preventative measures must be implemented to lower the risk of any further injuries associated with weak bones. These include…

  • Falls prevention
  • Investigation of possible causes underlying osteoporosis
  • Attention to diet
  • Exercise
  • Calcium, and Vitamin D supplementation
  • Anti-resorptive and anabolic medication (including bisphosphonate therapy)
  • Here is a good online osteoporosis assessment: www.sheffield.ac.uk
Osteoporosis
A microscopic picture of normal bone (left) and osteoporotic bone (right)