Osteoporosis

In this Article

• What is osteoporosis?
• What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
• What are the consequences of osteoporosis?
• Why is osteoporosis an important public health issue?
• What factors determine bone strength?
• What are risk factors for developing and causes of osteoporosis?
• How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
• Who should have bone density testing?
• How is osteoporosis treated and prevented?
• Exercise, quitting cigarettes, and curtailing alcohol
• Calcium supplements
• Vitamin D
• Hormone therapy (hormone replacement therapy, menopausal replacement therapy)
• Medications that prevent bone loss and breakdown
• Choosing an osteoporosis medication
• Prevention of osteoporosis caused by long term corticosteroids
• Monitoring osteoporosis therapy medication
• Prevention of hip fractures in elderly persons with osteoporosis
• Osteoporosis At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Osteoporosis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

Prevention of hip fractures in elderly persons with osteoporosis

The FDA has approved hip protector garments for the prevention of hip fractures in elderly persons with known osteoporosis. Brand names available include Hipsaver and Safehip. These can be helpful for selected patients who are in the nursing home environment, although the real extent of protection against hip fractures that is gained with use of hip protectors is a matter of current controversy.

Osteoporosis At A Glance

• Osteoporosis is a condition of increased susceptibility to fracture due to fragile bone.
  
  
• Osteoporosis weakens bone, and increases risk of bone fracture.
  
  
• Bone mass (bone density) decreases after age 35 years, and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause.
  
  
• Key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetic factors, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.
  
  
• Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur.
  
  
• Diagnosis can be suggested by x-rays and confirmed by using tests to measure bone density.
  
  
• Treatments for osteoporosis, in addition to prescription osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assuring adequate exercise, calcium, and vitamin D.

SOURCES: JAMA, 2001; Feb 14;285(6):785-95.

Marottoli RA, Berkman LF, Leo-Summers L, Cooney LM Jr. American Journal of Public Health, 1994; Nov;84(11):1807-12.

Lindsay R, Silverman SL, Cooper C, Hanley DA, Barton I, Broy SB, Licata A, Benhamou L, Geusens P, Flowers K, Stracke H, Seeman E. JAMA, 2001; Jan 17;285(3):320-3.

National Osteoporosis Foundation. Ray NF, Chan JK, Thamer M, Melton LJ 3rd. Journal of Bone Mineral Research, 1997; Jan;12(1):24-35.

Gehlbach SH, Burge RT, Puleo E, Klar J. Osteoporosis International, 2003; Jan;14(1):53-60.

Harris WH, Heaney RP. New England Journal of Medicine, 1969; Feb 6;280(6):303-11 concl.

National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Previous contributing author: Carolyn Janet Crandall, MD

Osteoporosis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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The symptoms of osteoporosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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