What diseases is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis belongs to the metabolic bone diseases.

What is its definition?

It is defined as the decrease in bone density which, in combination with the disturbance of the trabecular bone, leads to an increase in their fragility and the possibility of fracture even with a slight exercise of violence (sudden movement, slight weight lifting, even after a strong cough, sneeze or a tight hug).

When does osteoporosis occur and in whom?

Osteoporosis is not considered a purely female disease, since 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis problems. The risk of developing osteoporosis is greater in women over 65 and men over 70. However, the disease can also appear in younger people under specific conditions as well as in immediately postmenopausal women.

What factors are involved in the occurrence of osteoporosis?

• Heredity
• Gender
• Age
• The body type
• The type of diet
• Hormonal factors
• The presence of specific chronic diseases
• The long-term intake of specific drugs
• Prolonged immobility or lack of exercise
• Smoking
• The abuse of alcohol or coffee

How can we suspect that we have osteoporosis?

Unfortunately, osteoporosis does not show early symptoms and does not warn us. For this reason it is also called the “silent disease”. Patients present after a small exercise of violence and without being able to explain it most of the time, acute and intense pain in a bone (spine, hip, wrist) and after contacting their doctor, a fracture is diagnosed.

How can we diagnose osteoporosis before a fracture occurs?

You turn to the specialist who, after taking into account all the parameters (detailed medical history of diseases and medications you take, laboratory tests, x-rays and bone density measurement (DEXA), will assess the fracture risk you are at and accordingly the indicated therapeutic intervention will be or counseling.

What does treatment for osteoporosis involve?

a) conservative (pharmaceutical) treatment
b) invasive-surgical treatment

Drug treatment aims to reduce the risk of fracture and avoid associated morbidity and mortality by extension. It is intended to provide symptomatic relief/management of fractures when they occur, with analgesia (only oral or intravenous analgesics/opioids) or use of casters to limit mobility as required depending on the patient’s clinical presentation.

The invasive treatment (spinoplasty and kyphoplasty) has specific indications and concerns two minimally invasive techniques performed percutaneously by specialized spine surgeons. The decision is made depending on the chronicity of the fracture, the number of fractures, the intensity of the symptoms, the response of the pain to the analgesic treatment, the age of the patient and the coexistence of other diseases. The application of the above is superior to open surgeries on the spine.
Is osteoporosis finally prevented?

Medical non-pharmacological intervention in the problem of osteoporosis is precisely aimed at prevention, which is multi-level and proportional to the age group addressed. It starts from childhood, with proper nutrition and exercise. It continues into adulthood with the intake of calcium and Vitamin D supplements, changing lifestyle and some habits and avoiding aggravating factors, until old age. Especially in old age we take into account all of the above and with changes we suggest in the way of life, walking and medication we reduce the risk of falls, which at these ages can lead to fractures.

In conclusion, osteoporosis is a common disease, both for women and men. It constitutes an important problem for the individual but also overall for Public Health for epidemiological, social and economic reasons. Its consequences (causing fractures, functional disability, loss of working hours, high cost of treatment – rehabilitation) do not only concern the person who presents it, but also society as a whole. There are criteria for diagnosis as well as ways to prevent and treat it. So let’s be aware.

Kotsalidou Angeliki

metropolitan kitas

Kitas Georgios