3/24/2020

Assignment:
01
OSTEOPOROSIS

Submitted By:Hajra Ali

Submitted To:Dr.Sammar Abbas
Subject:Biomechanics
Reg No:70070613
Semester:3rd A
Department:Doctor of physical Therapy
 What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, which literally means porous bone, is a disease in which the density and quality of
bone are reduced. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly
increased. The loss of bone occurs silently and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the
first fracture occurs.Osteoporosis develops slowly, and a person may not know they have it until
they experience a fracture or break after a minor incident, such as a fall. Even a cough or sneeze can
cause a break in osteoporotic bones.Breaks will often occur in the hip, wrists, or the spinal vertebrae
for people who have osteoporosis.If a break occurs in the spinal vertebrae, it can lead to changes in
posture, a stoop, and curvature of the spine. People might also notice a decrease in height or their
clothes may not fit as well as they did previously.

What are the stages of osteoporosis?

 Osteopenia,by definition, is a condition of bone that is slightly less dense than normal bone but not
to the degree of bone in osteoporosis.

Causes and risk factors

Doctors have identified several risk factors for osteoporosis. Some are modifiable, but it is
not possible to avoid others.The body continually absorbs old bone tissue and generates
new bone to maintain bone density, strength, and structural integrity.Bone density peaks
when a person is in their late 20s, and it starts to weaken at around 35 years of age, As a
person grows older, bone breaks down faster than it rebuilds. Osteoporosis may develop if
this breakdown occurs excessively.It can affect both males and females, but it is most likely
to occur in women after menopause because of the sudden decrease in estrogen. Estrogen
normally protects women against osteoporosis.The IOF advises that once people reach 50
years of age, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience fractures due to osteoporosis.

Unavoidable factors
According to the American College of rheumatology  nonmodifiable risk factors  include:

 Age: Risk increases after the mid-30s and especially after menopause.
 Reduced sex hormones: Lower estrogen levels appear to make it harder for bone to
regenerate.
 Ethnicity: White people and Asian people have a higher risk than other ethnic groups.
 Height and weight: Being over 5 feet 7 inches tall or weighing under 125 pounds increases
the risk.
 Genetic factors: Having a close family member with a diagnosis of hip fracture or
osteoporosis makes osteoporosis more likely.
 Fracture history: A person over 50 years of age with previous fractures after a low-level
injury is more likely to receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Sign and symptoms:

Osteoporosis itself has no symptoms; its main consequence is the increased risk of bone fractures.
Osteoporotic fractures occur in situations where healthy people would not normally break a bone;
they are therefore regarded as fragility fractures. Typical fragility fractures occur in the vertebral
column,rib,hip and wrist.

1.Fractures of the Spine

Vertebral (spinal) compression fractures are broken bones in the back that are due to weak bones
caused by osteoporosis. The vertebrae (spinal bone) collapses as a result of even minor injuries
related to falling, bending, twisting, or sneezing. As the bones of the spine lose their mineralization
and strength, they can collapse, causing a hunched-over appearance, often referred to as a
“dowager hump.”

 2.Stress Fracture

Stress fractures occur in bones due to repetitive injuries, usually with minimal trauma. Patients with
osteoporosis are more prone to stress fractures because of the weakness of their bone.

3.Hip Fracture
Patients with osteoporosis are at greater risk for hip fractures. Even a simple fall can cause a hip
fracture in a person with osteoporosis. Due to the weakness in the bones these injuries may take a
long time or be difficult to fully heal.

How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is often diagnosed on an X-ray when the patient suffers a fracture. However,
by the time,osteoporosis is visible on X-ray there may be significant bone loss.A dual energy
X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scan can be used as a screening test for osteopenia
(bone loss that precedes osteoporosis). This test measures bone density in the hip and
spine and is more precise than an X-ray.
 How Is Osteoporosis Treated and
Prevented?

There is no current cure for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis treatment involves stopping further bone
loss, and strengthening bones that show signs of weakness. Prevention of osteoporosis is key.
1. Exercise
2. Quit Smoking and Curtail Alcohol

 3.Calcium Supplements
4.Calcium-Fortified Foods

5.Vitamin D

6.Menopausal Hormone Therapy

7.Medications

8.Prevention of Hip Fractures

The End