OSTEOPOROSIS - is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and
bone mass decreases, or when the quality or structure of bone changes.
Types of Osteoporosis
1. Primary Osteoporosis - the most common type of osteoporosis. It is a bone
disease characterized by the progressive loss of bone mass and bone density
due to the normal aging process. It is more common in women than men. It’s
further divided into two subtypes:
2. Secondary osteoporosis -has the same symptoms as primary osteoporosis. But
it occurs as a result of having certain medical conditions, such
as hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or leukemia.
3. Osteogenesis imperfecta - is a rare form of osteoporosis that is present at birth.
Osteogenesis imperfecta causes bones to break for no apparent reason.
4. Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis - Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is rare. It
occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 14 or during times of rapid growth.
Etiology & Pathophysiology
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of
fractures. Its etiology and pathophysiology involve a combination of factors.
The etiology of osteoporosis is multifactorial, involving genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and
medical factors. The pathophysiology primarily involves an imbalance between bone
resorption (breakdown) and bone formation.
Osteoporosis occurs when there is an imbalance between bone resorption
(breakdown) and bone formation.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Inadequate intake
of calcium and vitamin D, essential nutrients for bone health, can impair bone formation
and maintenance. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of weight-bearing exercise can weaken
bones. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have detrimental effects on bone
health.
What are osteoporosis symptoms?
Osteoporosis doesn’t have symptoms the way lots of other health conditions do. That’s
why healthcare providers sometimes call it a silent disease.
The most common “symptom” is suddenly breaking a bone, especially after a small fall
or minor accident that usually wouldn’t hurt you.
Even though osteoporosis doesn’t directly cause symptoms, you might notice a few
changes in your body that can mean your bones are losing strength or density. These
warning signs of osteoporosis can include:
Losing an inch or more of your height.
Changes in your natural posture
Shortness of breath
Lower back pain
Management of Osteoporosis
The most common surgical techniques are vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Both are
minimally invasive procedures that use thin tubes to inject orthopedic bone cement into
the affected vertebrae (back bones).
In vertebroplasty, your surgeon will inject the bone cement directly into the weakened
vertebrae via a thin tube.
In kyphoplasty (also known as balloon kyphoplasty), a tube is inserted into the
vertebra. But unlike vertebroplasty, the tube is connected to a small balloon that creates
space when inflated. It is then filled with the orthopedic bone cement.
How to Prevent Osteoporosis?
Preventing osteoporosis involves a mix of lifestyle choices and medical interventions.
This includes:
Balanced Diet: Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through foods like
dairy products, leafy greens, and supplements if needed.
Regular Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises and resistance training help maintain bone
density and strength.
Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both can contribute to bone loss.
Bone Density Testing: Regular screenings can help detect bone loss early.
Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to prevent or treat
osteoporosis, especially for individuals at high risk.
