Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressively developing metabolic bone disease that can occur both in men and women. Osteoporosis is characterized by a low bone mass and disorders in bone microarchitecture, having as consequence the increase of bone fragility. Often the disease occurs when a fracture occurs, without being clinically apparent until this moment.
It is a disease that is underdiagnosed and has huge social and economic consequences for the state.
It is a disease that can be predicted and prevented.
Risk factors for the development of osteoporosis:
Non-modifiable factors
- Previous fracture history
- Fracture in a first degree relative
- Caucasian race
- Increase of age
- Female sex
- Dementia
- Secondary causes of osteoporosis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
Modifiable factors
- Smoking
- Low body weight
- Early menopause (Age < 45 years)
- Multiple falls to the ground
- Reduced physical activity
- Consumption of alcohol
Bone Density Measurement is indicated:
- In women over 65 years old and men over 70 years old regardless of the clinical risk
- In women 50-69 years old, based on the estimated risk
- In postmenopausal women over 50 years old as well as in men with a history of osteoporotic fracture
Diagnosis
Bone density measurement With the DEXA method, which is an easy, non painful, non invasive and safe method, due to the fact that the dose of ionizing radiation is negligible.
Basic laboratory testing:
- Complete blood count
- Hepatic biochemistry (Sgot, Sgpt, Γgt, ALP)
- Thyroid control (TSH, FT3,FT4)
- 25-OH-Vit D
- Protein electrophoresis in special cases
- Urinalysis for the detection of calcium
- 24hour urine collection for calcium/creatinine
- Measurement of testosterone levels (free & total) and LH & FSH.
In conclusion:
Bone Density Measurement is a non invasive and safe method, which is required in people with a high-risk for possible fractures as well as in order to evaluate the result of the already existing therapy.
The attending doctor, in combination with the personal and family history, the clinical examination and the biochemical laboratory testing, lead to the appropriate treatment protocol, on a personalized basis and focusing on the good life quality of each person separately.
Get informed by the Doctor of our Center about the indications and the treatment.