Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of the
skeleton leading to bone fragility and a predisposition to fractures. Osteoporosis is a major
cause of morbidity and mortality.
Common diseases associated with osteoporosis:
o Endocrine disorders
o Gastrointestinal disorders
o Hepatic disorders
o Nutritional Disorders
o Hematological disorders
o Renal Disorders
o Autoimmune disorders
Osteoporosis can be classified into two main groups:
o Primary osteoporosis
o Secondary osteoporosis

Primary Osteoporosis Type I

It is also known as postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is caused by the deficiency of estrogen,
mainly affecting the trabecular bone; therefore, women are more susceptible to osteoporosis
than men.

Primary Osteoporosis Type II

It is also called senile osteoporosis, and it is related to bone mass lost due to the aging of
cortical and trabecular bones.
Secondary Osteoporosis
Different diseases, medications, and lifestyle changes can cause osteoporosis
Diagnosis

Bone mineral density to be below 2.5 or more below that of the mean level for a young adult
reference population

Note: Osteoporosis is often a silent disease until the patient experiences a fracture. When a
patient experiences a fracture is classified as ‘severe osteoporosis’.

Basic Treatment Recommendations

o intake of calcium and vitamin D (fundamental for any osteoporosis prevention or

treatment)
o including lifelong regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
o cessation of tobacco use
o cessation of excess alcohol intake
o of risk factors for falling
 Readings

Sözen, T., Özışık, L., & Başaran, N. Ç. (2017). An overview and management of
osteoporosis. European journal of rheumatology, 4(1), 46.