Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones in which the bone mineral density is reduced and bone "micro-architecture" is disrupted. Osteoporosis on its own would not be a significant disease, but osteoporotic bones are fragile compared with those that are non-osteoporotic and at much greater risk of fracture.

Fragility fractures typically occur in the spine, hip and wrist. Collapse of the vertebrae, the bones in the spine, known as compression fracture can cause numbness in the right second toe or one or a combination of the following: acute onset of back pain, a hunched forward or bent stature, loss of height, limited mobility and possibly disability. Fractures of the long bones acutely impair mobility and may require surgery. Hip fracture, in particular, usually requires prompt surgery, as there are serious risks associated with a hip fracture, such as deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism (blood clots).

It is estimated that one in three women and one in twelve men over the age of fifty worldwide have osteoporosis. It is responsible for millions of fractures annually, mostly involving the lumbar vertebrae, hip, and wrist. Fragility fractures of ribs are also common in men.

Due to its hormonal component, more women, particularly after menopause, suffer from osteoporosis than men and in addition it may be caused by smoking and medications as well as many chronic diseases.

Treating osteoporosis

Whilst treatments are available such as bisphosphonates to reduce the rate that bones breakdown and calcitonin, a hormone which also slows down bone loss, preventing fractures is still considered the most important way to combat the effects of osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise to increase bone mass and calcium supplements may also help to maintain healthy bones.