Osteoporosis: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

Osteoporosis means 'porous bone'. It develops when bone density and quality decrease, making bones fragile and more likely to fracture, sometimes from a fall that would not normally cause injury.

It is often called a 'silent disease' because bone loss occurs gradually without symptoms, and many patients only discover it after a fracture or during a bone density screening.

Osteoporosis is common in postmenopausal women due to the drop in oestrogen, but it also affects men and can occur secondary to certain medications or medical conditions.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis usually has no early symptoms. As bone weakens, signs may include:

• Loss of height over time
• Stooped or curved posture
• Back pain from a vertebral compression fracture
• A fracture occurring after a minor fall or bump — often the first sign

Causes

• Natural age-related decline in bone density
• Reduced oestrogen after menopause
• Low calcium and vitamin D intake
• Sedentary lifestyle with little weight-bearing exercise
• Long-term steroid use
• Certain medical conditions affecting hormone or calcium metabolism

Risk Factors

• Postmenopausal women
• Age above 50 years
• Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
• Low body weight
• Smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Long-term steroid therapy
• Low dietary calcium and vitamin D

When to See a Doctor

Discuss bone health screening with a doctor if you are postmenopausal, have a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture, have lost noticeable height, or have had a fracture from a minor fall.

See a doctor promptly if you experience new back pain after a fall or minor strain, as this could indicate a vertebral compression fracture.

Diagnosis

• Bone mineral density (DEXA) scan — the standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis
• X-ray to identify existing fractures or vertebral compression
• Blood tests to check calcium, vitamin D and rule out secondary causes

Treatment Options

Osteoporosis treatment aims to strengthen bone, reduce fracture risk and manage any existing fractures.

• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation as advised by your doctor
• Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
• Bone-strengthening medication for patients with significant bone loss
• Fall-prevention measures at home, especially for elderly patients
• Surgical treatment for fractures resulting from osteoporosis, such as hip or spine fractures

Expected Outcomes

With appropriate treatment, bone loss can often be slowed and fracture risk significantly reduced. Osteoporosis is a long-term condition that requires ongoing monitoring, typically with periodic bone density testing to track treatment response.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Assessment by Dr. Vishal Murkute, MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics, Diploma in Orthopaedics, fellowship-trained in joint replacement and arthroscopy
• Guidance on bone health screening and fracture prevention
• Coordinated management of osteoporosis-related fractures
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune