Osteoporosis

• a common metabolic bone disorder characterized by a decrease in bone mass/density, loss of bone matrix and mineralization.
• Types:
  • primary (post-menopausal) vs secondary

   

  Bone mass
  

  • peaks in young adults, declines gradually over adult life
  • best built up in children & young adults
  • depends on genetics, nutrition, activity & hormones

   

Pathophysiology (what goes wrong with the bone in osteoporosis?):

• bone resorption (breakdown) > bone formation
• thin, fragile bones
• spontaneous fractures (compression fractures in vertebrae, proximal femur & distal radius)

Causes:

• aging & post-menopausal estrogen deficiency
• sedentary lifestyle
• hormonal level
• malnutrition
• cigarette smoking
• small, light bone structure

Treatment:

• Aim to slow further bone loss:
  • dietary supplements (calcium, vit D)
  • fluoride supplement (bone deposition)
  • estrogen replacement (“Evista”)
  • inhibition of osteoclast activity (“Fosamax”)
  • weight-bearing & strong muscle contraction exercises