The Silent Thief

Osteoporosis is a disease that involves a loss of the amount of bone in your body, and a loss of strength of that bone. As a result, people with osteoporosis are at risk of fractures or breaks, especially in the hip bones, spine, and wrists. You may have osteoporosis and have no symptoms, which is why the disease is sometimes called ‘the silent thief’. It is estimated that as many as 2 million Canadians have osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Canada recommends that if you are over 50 years of age you should talk to your doctor about your risk factors for osteoporosis. Risk factors include:

 

Major risk factors

· Age 65 or older

· Vertebral compression fracture

· Fracture with minimal trauma after age 40

· Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially if your mother had a hip fracture)

· Long-term (more than 5 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone

· Medical conditions (such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease) that inhibit absorption of nutrients

· Primary hyperparathyroidism

· Tendency to fall

· Osteopenia apparent on x-ray

· Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of menstrual periods in younger women)

· Early menopause (before age 45)

Minor risk factors

· Rheumatoid arthritis

· Hyperthyroidism

· Prolonged use of anticonvulsants

· Prolonged heparin use

· Body weight less than 57 kg (125 lbs.)

· If your present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25

· Low calcium intake

· Excess caffeine (consistently more than 4 cups a day of coffee, cola or some energy drinks)

· Excess alcohol (consistently more than 2 drinks a day)

· Smoker

Courtesy: Osteoporosis Canada

 

If it appears that you are at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor should arrange for you to have a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test to assess the QUANTITY of bone in your body. It’s more difficult to assess the QUALITY of bone in your body, but if you do have osteoporosis your doctor should calculate your 10-year fracture risk in order to determine what treatment you should receive.

 

Key risk factors for fracture

· Low bone mineral density (BMD)

· Prior fragility (low-trauma) fracture

· Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone

· Age the risk of fracture increases with age

· Family history of osteoporotic fracture

Courtesy: Osteoporosis Canada

 

For more detailed information on osteoporosis, and to find out where to get educational materials and support, try the Osteoporosis Canada website at:

http://www.osteoporosis.ca/  

You can also consult the Mayo Clinic website at:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128  

 

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Dr. Karl’s Take Home Message:

1. Osteoporosis has no symptoms, until you have a fracture

2. You should review your risk factors with your doctor, and if necessary, have a Bone Mineral Density test.

3. If you do have osteoporosis, it will be important for your doctor to assess your 10-year fracture risk.  This will help to determine the appropriate treatment.

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