Orthopaedic Surgery & Adult Reconstruction
To Schedule An Appointment
Call 435-655-6600
Osteoporosis FAQs
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass that results in a reduction in the strength of the skeleton.
Normal Bone Osteoporotic Bone
The Scope of the Problem
-
Osteoporosis affects as many as 44 million Americans
-
80% of those affected are women
-
One in two women and one in four men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in her/his remaining lifetime
-
While osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease, it can strike at any age
Consequences of Osteoporosis
-
Increased risk of fracture of the hip, spine, and wrist
-
Morbidity and mortality from fracture
- Over 300,000 hip fractures/year
- A 50-year-old white woman has a 15% lifetime probability of suffering a hip fracture -
Healthcare costs
- 2002: $18 billion
Fractures of the Hip and Spine
Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis
What is affected?
Bones, which become more fragile and more likely to breakJoints, especially weight-bearing joints (knees, feet, hips, and back)
Whom does it affect?
4 of 5 people suffering from osteoporosis are women occurs most commonly after the age of 45Men and women equally; usually occurs after age 45
Why does it happen?
Loss of bone mass, related to certain risk factorsJoin structure weaken and wear down
Who is at Risk? Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
-
-
Age
-
Gender
-
Race
-
Bone structure and body weight
-
Menopause and menstrual history
-
Lifestyle
-
Medications and disease
-
Family history
Osteoporosis and Menopause
Bone loss due to decline in estrogen is the leading cause of osteoporosis in women
Diagnosing Osteoporosis
If osteoporosis is painless, how do I know if my bones are healthy?
Keeping Bones Strong -The Keys to Prevention
-
The importance of calcium and vitamin D as part of a healthy diet
-
The value of weight-bearing exercise
-
Making lifestyle changes
-
Medications that prevent bone loss
The Importance of Calcium
Optimal Daily Calcium Intake*
Age Group (in years) Calcium (in milligrams)
1 – 5 800
6 – 10 800 – 1200
11 – 24 1200 – 1500
Men
25 – 50 1000
Over 65 1500
Women
25 – 50 1000
50 – 65 taking estrogen 1000
50 – 65 not taking estrogen 1500
Over 65 1500
Pregnant or nursing 1200-1500
Vitamin D and Calcium Absorption
Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium
—> Vitamin D —> Helps the body absorb calcium
The Value of Exercise
-
Weight-bearing: Jogging, walking, stair climbing, dancing and soccer are examples of weight-bearing exercise with different degrees of impact
-
Resistance: These activities include weight lifting, such as using free weights and weight machines found at gyms and health clubs
Making Lifestyle Changes
-
No Smoking
-
No Drinking
Medications That Help Prevent Osteoporosis
-
Estrogen/hormone therapy
-
Bisphosphonates
-
Calcitonin
-
Parathyroid hormone
-
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
Reference:
* Optimal Daily Calcium Intake. NIH Consensus Statement 1994
**National Osteoporosis Foundation


