Osteoporosis

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risk. It affects approximately 200 million people worldwide, primarily postmenopausal women and older adults of both sexes. The disease is often silent until a fracture occurs. Common fracture sites include the hip, spine vertebrae, and wrist. A hip fracture in an older person is associated with a substantially increased risk of death in the following year. Risk factors include age, female sex, menopause, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol, family history, prolonged corticosteroid use, and certain medical conditions rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis is made through dual energy X ray absorptiometry DEXA scanning with a T score of -2.5 or below defining osteoporosis. Prevention and treatment involve weight bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking cessation, and medications, with the approach individualised by a clinician. Commonly used medications include bisphosphonates alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid. Other options include denosumab Prolia, teriparatide Forteo, and romosozumab Evenity.