Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common condition in this country and is a major cause of spine and hip fractures. The definition of osteoporosis is a decrease in bone strength defined as a decreased bone density. Because hip fractures have a significant increase in mortality, the diagnosis and prevention/treatment of osteoporosis is a major issue. Risk factors for developing this silent and often, preventable disease include advancing age, female sex, low weight, previous spontaneous or low trauma fracture( an injury that would not be expected to cause a fracture), hip fracture in a mother or father, smoking, corticosteroid use, Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day and a low bone density. A machine to measure bone density is available to our patients. Regular screening in high risk individuals can help detect those patients who need treatment to prevent or slow down osteoporosis, thereby decreasing the risk of fractures and disability. Typically treatments include weight bearing exercise, calcium, vitamin D (Dr. Zashin can do a blood test to determine if your Vitamin D level is adequate), Evista, Miacalcin, Boniva, Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast and Forteo.

The above information about osteoarthritis is from Dr. Zashin's book, Arthritis Without Pain, a comprehensive guide for patients considering or undergoing treatment with the TNF blockers Enbrel®, Remicade®, or Humira®. All rights reserved.

 

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