Osteoporosis is a disease (condition) causing weakening of normal bone mass or bone deterioration. Patients with osteoporosis, their bones are more fragile to fracture because not adequately able to support weight of the body. Common fractures occur in the hip, spine and wrist. The first indication of this condition may cause dull pain in the bones or muscles, particularly low back pain or neck pain. In many cases, the diagnosis is made after a fracture. Fractures of the hip almost always require hospitalization, and surgery. The outcome various from needing some kind of assistants to walk, prolonged care, permanent disability and death. The most serious fractures of the spine or vertebrae consequently cause a loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.
Two types of causes attributed to osteoporosis: Type one occurs only in postmenopausal women (Menopause: End of the ovulation and menstrual period on average between 40 – 55 years old. Postmenopausal bleeding from the reproductive system that occurs six months or more after menstrual periods have stopped due to menopause.), and due to estrogen (Hormone produced by the ovaries.) deficiency. Type two occurs in both men and women (more frequent in women than men) due to aging and calcium deficiency over many years. In the United States, estimated forty-four million Americans diagnosed with osteoporosis, and more then fifty percent are at least 50 years old. As many, seventy percent women over 80 are at risk. According to American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and National Osteoporosis Foundation, the disease attributed to one or more causes: Sixty to Eighty percent inherited, low Vitamin ‘D’ or calcium diet, low body weight, Excessive alcohol drinking or smoking, and related to a medical problem (Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or liver disease).
Bone Mineral Density (Densitometry or BMD)) test determines or confirms if osteoporosis or the risk of osteoporosis is likely to occur. The test is usually done on bones most likely to break, including lumbar vertebrae, lower region of the spine, narrow neck of the femur bone adjoining the hip, and bones of the wrist. The test measures mineral density in the bones using an X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound. Bone Density results reported in two numbers: T-scores and Z-Scores. T-Score (range: Above minus one to below minus 2.5) is standard deviation for a person sex, above or below the standard. Z-Score is the number of standard deviations above or below what’s normally expected for someone’s age, weight, and ethnic or racial origin.
Published in the journal of Bone, Professor Keith Horner and Dr. Hugh Devlin of Manchester University, coordinated a three year EU (European Union) study, funded collaborations with universities of Athens, Leuven, Amsterdam and Malmo, developed an automated approach to diagnosis osteoporosis by examining a patient dental X-ray. The software developed by the researchers, allow dentist to examine the patient’s X-ray, measuring the thickness of part of the patient’s lower jaw. The study tested 652 women for osteoporosis. The automated x-ray test detected presence of this condition in over half of the participants, otherwise may not have been tested for osteoporosis. Dr. Horner said: “This cheap, simple and largely automated approach could be carried out by every dentist taking routine X-rays, yet the success rate is as good as having a specialist consultant on hand. The test might even encourage older women to visit the dentist more regularly!”
The treatment of osteoporosis often continues indefinitely, by taking prescribed medication. Most common medication treating and preventing osteoporosis, sold by Merck & Company as Fosamax (Known generically as alendronate. A type of drug called bisphosphonate used to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis). The cost: $70 -$85 for a 30 – day supply. The medication is usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach and must sit upright afterwards for at least 30 minutes. Known side effects include: Nausea and irritation of the esophagus. According to Merck & Company financial reports, worldwide sales of Fosamax $2.8 billion to $3.2 billion. A study (Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association – December 2006) conducted by Merck, tracked 1,099 patients that have taken Fosamax for more than five years, can take a break from the use of the drug without losing benefits. However, the risk of spine fracture increased, when Fosamax was discontinued. Dennis Black lead researcher said: “The main message is that if you start this particular osteoporosis therapy you may not have to take it forever. You may be able to take it for a while, then stop, and then take it again, and stop.” Patients will continue to receive the benefits of the drug, but at lower cost and not committed to a lifetime of pills.
Preventing Osteoporosis is possible by getting enough calcium (drinking milk, eating foods enriched with calcium or vitamins (Vitamin D needed to increase bone mass)) — recommended daily intake 1,200 – 1,500 mg daily, exercising (walking, aerobics, swimming and weight-bearing exercises) to maintain normal body weight and increase bone density. Also, avoid excessive alcohol intake and avoid or stop smoking. Consult a physician before beginning a regiment of exercise and nutritional diet.