1

Pathophysiology

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course

Professor's Name

Date
 2

Explain in your own words the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is defined as a metabolic bone disease characterized by an imbalance

between osteoclastic bone growth and osteoblastic bone formation at the cell level. As a

result, bones tend to be more brittle and susceptible thus putting them into a risk of fracturing.

Alteration in the structure of the bones As a result of these alterations, bone fragility

increases. Low bone mineral density and a higher risk of fractures occur from impaired peak

bone formation and fast bone loss.

Why are women at higher risk for osteoporosis during menopause ?

For a variety of reasons, women are most likely to develop osteoporosis than men. This is

because women's bones are thinner and smaller compared to those of men. FurthermoreS,

following menopause, Estrogen, an hormone that protects bones in women, diminishes

rapidly, resulting in bone loss. This is why the risk of osteoporosis increases as women

approach menopause.

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis ?

The following are some of the most important risk factors for osteoporosis:

● Advanced age - As a person becomes older, the process of bone development slows

down, increasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures.

● Sex - Due to their inherently thinner bones and lesser bone mass, women are at a

greater risk than men.

● Fractures in the family line and personal history - An elevated risk of osteoporosis

can be indicated by a family's background of broken bones or weak fractures in

maturity. Additionally, the chance of osteoporosis may be increased if a parent has

experienced osteoporosis or fragility fractures in maturity.

 3

● Predisposition to poor bone density due to genetic factors - Peak bone mass is

obtained between 18 and 25 and is mostly determined by hereditary factors. The

body's absorption of vitamin D, in particular, is heavily influenced by hereditary

variables. If a person's vitamin D levels are low, bone development and growth may

be slowed, putting them at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

● Menopause - As the sex hormones fluctuate during the menopausal period, lower

estrogen levels impact bone remodeling and hasten bone loss, resulting in diminished

bone strength and increased fracture risk.

● Race- Osteoporosis is more common in Asian and caucasian women. Women from

other races are at lesser risk, but they should be screened if they are above the age of

65 or have any extra risk factors.

What medications can cause secondary osteoporosis?

The following are some of the most frequent drugs that cause secondary Osteoporosis;

Prednisone and other cortisone-like drugs in high doses, high doses of Thyroid, Medications

that lower your estrogen or androgen levels, Some diabetic treatments; notably selective

serotonin receptor uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and certain stomach drugs, such as aluminum-

containing antacids or proton pump inhibitors.

Why is fall prevention important when dealing with osteoporosis ?

Fall prevention is critical since it is the major cause of fracture in patients with

osteoporosis, and it can help reduce the severity of the disease. As a result, even a little fall

can result in injury, the most common of which are fractures to the hip, spine, or wrist;

however, any bone can be shattered.

What interventions would you do to prevent falls ?

 4

● Make sure all locations, especially those near stairwells, are brightly lit. At doors,

light switches should be placed. Keep your floors clean and clutter-free. Maintain a

smooth but not slick floor surface.

● Be cautious of highly polished or wet floor surfaces when you're outside, as they can

be very slippery. Keep an eye out for steps while entering rooms. Even at home, wear

sturdy, low-heeled shoes.

● Ensure all carpets and area rugs, especially on stairs, have skid-proof backing or are

attached to the floor. Make sure there are railings on both sides of all stairwells.

● For increased stability in inclement weather, utilize a walker or cane.

● For increased traction, use boots or shoes with rubber soles.

● Carry an extra bag of kitty litter or coarse salt in pockets or cars throughout the

winter. The kitty litter or salt can then be sprinkled on slick streets or sidewalks.