Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means decrease in the density of the bones and is more common in women than men. It is the most common reason for the broken bones among the older adults. Usually broken bones are back bones, the bone of the forearm and the hip bone. It becomes more common with the growing age and may also occur due to other diseases or chronic treatments. Compression vertebral fracture without motor/sensory weakness can be treated safely by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (inserting biological cement in the vertebral body with long needle under local anesthesia with C-arm guidance). Many people have no symptoms of Osteoporosis until the bone fracture occurs and can only be diagnosed using radiography and by measuring the Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Medicines for osteoporosis have to continue lifelong.

Many people with osteoporosis do not experience any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Compression fractures of the vertebrae, without associated motor or sensory weakness, can be treated with minimally invasive procedures such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. These involve inserting biological cement into the vertebral body using a long needle under local anesthesia with image guidance (C-arm). Osteoporosis is diagnosed by radiography and by measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Treatment with medications is usually lifelong to maintain bone strength and prevent fractures.

Prevention and Management

Preventing osteoporosis involves a combination of adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Early diagnosis through bone density testing helps identify those at risk. Treatment focuses on strengthening bones, preventing falls, and managing pain or fractures when they occur. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty provide effective relief and stabilization for vertebral compression fractures, improving quality of life.

Frequently asked questions

01.What is osteoporosis?

A condition where bones become less dense, weaker, and more likely to break.

02.Who is most at risk?

Women, especially postmenopausal, and older adults are at highest risk.

03.Are there symptoms before fractures occur?

Usually no noticeable symptoms until a fracture happens.

04.How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

By X-rays and bone mineral density (BMD) tests.

05.How are compression fractures treated?

With minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty using bone cement to stabilize the spine.