Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs as a result of bone mass loss and a reduction in good bone architecture. Bone decalcification increases the risk of bone fractures. The risk of a fracture increases with age. The most common sites for fractures are the wrists, vertebrae, hips, or pelvis.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis in itself does not cause symptoms such as pain or restricted movement. The consequences of osteoporosis are: fractures! A hip fracture, for example, requires surgery and a vertebral fracture can be very painful. The consequences of osteoporosis can therefore cause serious impairment of the quality of life.

How is osteoporosis detected?

Bone densitometry equipment (DEXA) is used to determine the bone density of
the hip and spine.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop osteoporosis. It is more common in women, but men
can develop it too. It is also not a disease that only occurs in the elderly. Osteoporosis can occur at any age.

There are risk factors that can and cannot be modified. Below is a
list of the most important:

Modifiable risk factors:

History of recurrent falls
Low weight (<58 kg)
Prolonged corticosteroid use
Early menopause
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Excessive alcohol consumption (≥2 drinks/day)
Dietary deficiency of calcium and vitamin D
Medication, e.g. anti-androgens in prostate cancer, anti-epileptic drugs, antidepressants, etc.)

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Age
Female gender
Maternal family history of hip fracture
Low birth weight
Disease leading to osteoporosis (rheumatism, thyroid disease, types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, gluten enteropathy, Crohn's disease, etc.)