What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition marked by decreased bone density, which results in lower bone strength and higher fragility. In this condition, bones become abnormally porous and compressible, like a sponge.

Osteoporosis greatly weakens the bones and results in frequent fractures. These fractures typically occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

What is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia is a bone condition where the density reduces slightly. The density in this condition is lesser than a normal bone but not as less as osteoporosis. Osteopenia often leads to osteoporosis, when left unchecked.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

A person is often not aware that he or she has osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. But there are occasionally symptoms of the disorder. They could include:

• Backache
• A gradual loss of height and an accompanying stooped posture
• A stooped posture

What causes Osteoporosis?

Most factors that govern your risk of osteoporosis are outside your control. For example, women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis. Also, the risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Besides these uncontrollable factors, controllable reasons like dietary factors and intake of certain medicines are also associated with osteoporosis. For example, low calcium intake or general eating disorders greatly increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

A simple test which is commonly available called Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Measurement can help detect the presence of osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Treatment of Osteoporosis

Medication and Pharmacotherapy: In osteopenia and early-stage osteoporosis, oral medicines are the most common treatment to control the problem.These medicines fall under the category of bisphosphonates. Examples of these medicines include Alendronate, Risedronate and Ibandronate.

Intravenous infusions of Zoledronic Acid: In more severe cases of osteoporosis, it becomes important to take more urgent action through intravenous infusions of medicines, like Zoledronic Acid.

Osteoporosis Treatment Options Available at DPMC

At DPMC, we provide the best and latest non- surgical interventions to control osteoporosis

• Medications
• Intravenous infusions (zoledronic acid)