Osteoporosis

  Normal bone is dense and strong. Bones with osteoporosis become porous because of deterioration of the bone tissue, which leads to bone fragility and increase in fracture risk.

Bone undergoes a process of constant remodeling consisting of the breakdown of old bone and re-building of new bone. This resorption (by osteoclasts) and formation (by osteoblasts) occurs at an approximately equal rate thereby maintaining strength of the entire skeleton.

Around the ages 30-35, peak bone mass is attained and the process of bone loss begins. The greater the bone mass accrued prior to this time, the less chance exists for complications from bone loss later.

Osteoporosis is the most type of bone disease and affects both men and women. The condition is characterized by low bone mass, loss of bone architecture, and reduced bone strength. Because people with osteoporosis have brittle bones, they are at increased risk for developing fractures. The most common types of fractures in people with osteoporosis include spinal vertebral fractures, hip fractures, and wrist fractures.

There are two types of osteoporosis:

• Primary osteoporosis - bone loss that occurs as a consequence of the normal aging process and most often affects postmenopausal women.
• Secondary osteoporosis - bone loss that occurs as a consequence of other factors such as a chronic medical condition, nutritional deficiency, or certain types of medications.

There is currently no cure for osteoporosis. The best treatment available for osteoporosis is prevention. The goals of treatment of patients with osteoporosis include:

• To slow the progression of the disease once it has started.
• To minimize the risks of complications that may cause pain and reduction in function.
• Exercise and attention to safety issues help to maximize mobility and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Currently, in the United States, several medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and are considered as first-line medications. These medications include:

• Biphosphonates
• Raloxifene
• Nasal calcitonin
• Teriparatide

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Osteoporosis, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Osteoporosis?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Osteoporosis research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

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