Osteoporosis Awareness

Osteoporosis

What you need to know

Osteoporosis is defined as a silent skeletal disorder characterized by loss of bone integrity leading to increased risk of fracture. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) estimates that 10.2 million Americans have osteoporosis and that an additional 43.4 million have low bone mass (osteopenia). Over two million osteoporosis related fractures occur every year in the U.S. with seventy percent of these occurring in women. According to a recent retrospective analysis, the annual cost of caring for osteoporotic related fractures is greater than the annual cost of caring for breast cancer, myocardial infarctions and stroke in women aged 55 years and older. The projected cost of managing osteoporotic fractures is estimated to reach $25 billion by 2025. Unfortunately, less than 1 in 4 women aged 67years or older with an osteoporosis related fracture will undergo bone density testing or begin treatment. Osteoporosis can be prevented and is treatable.

There are multiple risk factors associated with osteoporosis described as modifiable and non-modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, ethnicity, family history, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or malabsorption syndrome and thin body frame. Modifiable risk factors include poor diet with limited calcium and vitamin D intake, inactive lifestyle with limited exercise, excessive alcohol, caffeine or tobacco use and absence of sex hormone such as estrogen or testosterone. Modifiable risk factors can be addressed to help reverse bone loss and decrease risk of fracture.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends obtaining a screening bone density study if you have had a fractured hip, spine, pelvis, forearm or proximal humeral fracture after age 50, or if you are a female over age 65 or male over 70. A healthy diet including vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation is recommended to maintain bone health. Participating in an exercise program involving resistive conditioning and balance retraining is highly recommended to help minimize risk of falls and maintain muscle and bone health. If osteopenia or osteoporosis is present one should consider screening for secondary causes of osteoporosis such as underlying medical conditions which can be treated and help reverse progressive loss of bone. Pharmacologic options are available which have proven to greatly reduce risk of fractures and resultant potential for chronic pain, loss of mobility and/or independence.

If you had a heart attack, stroke or cancer you would most likely be offered follow up care and management that is not routinely provided after a fragility fracture. At Vero Elite Rehab & Orthopedic Surgery we are dedicated to providing comprehensive osteoporosis evaluation and management following current recommendations of leading societies including, the American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologist, American Academy of Rheumatology, National Osteoporosis Foundation and the International Society of Clinical Densitometry

Vero Elite Rehab & Orthopedic Surgery is located at 1355 37th Street in Vero Beach, Florida. We have been committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to our family of patients for over 25 years. Let us evaluate your risk and customize a plan to prevent this disease from impacting your life.