Osteoporosis - An Update

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by decrease in bone mass per unit volume, compromised
bone strength, which predisposes the affected bone to fracture. This is currently one of the leading causes of
morbidity and mortality among elderly over the world. In general, osteoporosis is a silent and progressive
disorder that is often brought to attention of the patients or physician only after a fracture. The aetiology of
osteoporosis is multifactorial and is related to two main processes: acquisition of peak bone density that
occurs at the end of the third decade and loss of bone at menopause, going on to old age. The cardinal
features of osteoporosis are pain, fracture and deformity. Bone mineral density measurement is the most
reliable diagnostic tool in the early stage of osteoporosis. Management of osteoporosis involves prevention
and treatment. The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. The risk of osteoporosis can be reduced by
increasing peak bone mass or by decreasing the bone loss. It needs to be emphasized that bone mineral
density (BMD) peaks at about age 35 and then begins to slowly decline with significant acceleration after
menopause. Therefore, the most logical and cost-effective preventive strategies are to encourage young women
to stop smoking and avoid excessive use of alcohol. They should also be counseled to exercise regularly and
consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.

Key Words: Osteoporosis, Fracture, Bone mineral density, Menopause.