B&J HEALTH TOPICS - PROBLEMS

OSTEOPOROSIS

What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis (ah-stee-oh-por-oh-sis) is a disease that causes the bone tissue to become porous, resulting in a loss of bone mass.  Osteoporosis is often referred to as "the silent thief" because bone tissue loss occurs without symptoms.

What happens to someone who has osteoporosis?
Deterioration of the bone tissue makes bones fragile, increasing the risk of fracture, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist.  Half of those with osteoporosis will eventually suffer from a bone fracture. 
Half of those who suffer a hip fracture due to osteoporosis will not return to their previous level of activity and will become dependent on others for at least some of their normal daily activities.

Who gets osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis can strike at any age but generally occurs in people over the age of 50.  Some 1.4 million Canadians suffer from it.
It is more prevalent in women.  One in four women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis, while one in eight men over 50 has the disease.

What are the costs of osteoporosis?
There are financial and human costs. Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduced mobility or complete loss of mobility, and increased dependence on others.
Osteoporosis Canada estimates the cost of treating osteoporosis and the fractures it causes at $1.3 billion each year in Canada. Long term, hospital and chronic care account for the majority of these costs.

Can osteoporosis be treated?
It can be treated.  A variety of medications and diet supplements are used, depending on the age and sex of the patient, and the severity of the disease.

Can osteoporosis be prevented?
Physical activity and diet affect the shape and strength of the bones. Remaining physically active and maintaining a healthy diet will help to prevent osteoporosis.

Children should be encouraged before, during and after puberty to participate in impact exercises and sports.  Field and court sports, such as baseball, basketball, soccer and gymnastics, are the most beneficial for strengthening bones.

Non-impact activities, such as swimming and weight or resistance training, are of little benefit in building bone strength.

Older adults at risk of falling should have exercise programs tailored to improving their strength and balance.

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made in consultation with a physician.  The process may include x-rays, history and physical evaluation and ultrasound tests.

What are the risk factors for developing osteoporosis?

Major Risk Factors:

• over the age of 65
• family history of osteoporotic fracture
• low bone mineral density (BMD)
• glucocorticoid medications for more than 3 months
• malabsorption problems
• tendency to fall
• early menopause (before age 45)

Minor Risk Factors:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• history of hyperthyroidism
• anticonvulsant therapy
• low calcium diet
• smokers
• excessive alcohol drinkers
• excessive caffeine use
• low weight
• heparin therapy

References
2002 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Canada. CMAJ 2002;167(10) suppl.:S1-S34

Links for more information
Osteoporosis Society of Canada
http://www.osteoporosis.ca

Canadian Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca

Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca

 

Other Common Disorders

Osteoporosis

Degenerative Joint Disease