Osteoporosis (Porous Bone) Shannon Marks & Jenna Miller

Overview Characterized by low bone mass. Deterioration of bone tissue. Leads to bone fragility. Increases risk of fractures. Hip, spine and wrist. Known as a “silent disease”.

Symptoms Early Stages Later stages There are typically no symptoms. Dull pain in the muscles and bones: Particularly lower back and neck. Sharp pain may come on suddenly. Once bones have been weakened, results include: Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra. Loss of height over time. A stooped posture. A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected.

Etiology Occurs when there is an imbalance or new bone formation and old bone resorption. The body could fail to produce enough new bone, or too much old bone could be absorbed, or a combination of both. Leading cause is lack of certain hormones: Lack of estrogen in women. Lack of androgen in men. Lack of calcium and Vitamin D. Lack of exercise. Aging Family History Unhealthy life styles Certain medications

Statistical Information United States Worldwide More than 44 million men and women over the age of 50 are affected. Patients with osteoporosis account for 55% of the population over 50 years old. Approximately 1 in 15 people will be effected by the age of 50. 200 million people affected 8.9 million fractures annually. 1 in 3 women over age 50 will be effected. 1 in 5 men aged over 50 will be effected. 80% of the people affected are women. Although, male cases go underdiagnosed and underreported.

Effects Weakening of joints and bones. Chronic pain: caused by compression of the vertebrae, pressing bone on bone, as well as nerves and surrounding tissues. Physical deformity: the spine will curve forward and contribute to height loss. Limited movement and activities. Compression of internal organs: due to the curvature, the lack of back support causes the ribs to sink lowering compressing the lungs, stomach and intestines.

Affects When first diagnosed, it is common to become very anxious. Some feel they need to abandon activities for fear of breaking bones. Everyday actions, such as bending over or lifting, can cause a collapsed vertebrae.

Testing/Detection Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)- measures people’s spines, hips, or total bone density to help determine the risks of fractures. Ultrasound and Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT)- determine bone density. Blood or urine test- determine the metabolism of bone. Bone densitometry- used to quickly identify and accurately measure bone density.

Therapies/Cures A well defined physical therapy plan. Physical Therapy helps to recover from fractures quickly and successfully. If you are at high risk of developing osteoporosis, physical therapy can help to prevent the disease. There is no cure.

Drugs/Treatment Increasing calcium and Vitamin D intake. Increasing exercise: Walking. Weight lifting. Jogging. Aerobics. Exercise slows down age related bone loss. Improves posture and balance. Decreases risks of falling. Treatments are used to strengthen and protect bones. Combination of drugs and lifestyle changes: Most common drugs: Alendronate (Fosamax). Ibandronate (Boniva). risedronate (Actonel). zoledronic acid (Reclast). Denosumab is used to slow down the bone resorption process.

Surgery Vertebroplasty- Kyphoplasty – Used to reinforce the fractured vertebrae. Acrylic compound is injected into the vertebrae to stabilize the weakened bone. Results: pain relief Kyphoplasty – Used to restore the height of vertebrae and stabilize weakened bone. A balloon is inflated to raise the compressed vertebrae and the deflated. Doesn’t correct vertebrae deformities. Used for patients with recent fractures.

Prognosis Over time, a patient with osteoporosis will see a difference in stature. They will see an increase in curvature of their back. The lifespan for a patient with osteoporosis is the same as a patient without. With new medications being developed there is a greater chance of less bone fractures.

Conclusion Detection of osteoporosis, in early stages is nearly impossible because symptoms are minimal. As time progresses, detection becomes easier due to the amount of pain one has. Can cause intestinal problems, thyroid and parathyroid problems, and kidney diseases. Osteoporosis is not a curable disease but with treatment, medication, and sometimes surgery one can reduce pain and fractures.

References Emotional Aspects of Osteoporosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Osteoporosis Foundation: http://nof.org/articles/11 Facts and Statistics. (2015). Retrieved from International Osteoporosis Foundation: http://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics Osteoporosis. (2015, February 5). Retrieved from healthcommunitites.com: http://www.healthcommunities.com/osteoporosis/treatment- surgery.shtml Osteoporosis Health Center. (2015). Retrieved from WedMD: http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/osteoporosis-diagnosis-tests Osteoporosis Overview. (2012, January). Retrieved from http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/bone/osteoporosis/overview.asp Position Statement. (2015). Retrieved from AAOS: http://www.aaos.org/about/papers/position/1113.asp Shapiro, D. M. (n.d.). How does Osteoporosis impact your life? Retrieved from Health and Bone.CA: http://www.healthandbone.ca/en/what_is_osteoporosis/how_does_it_impact_life/ Staff, M. C. (2014, December 13). Symptoms. Retrieved from Diseases and Conditions: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/osteoporosis/basics/symptoms/con-20019924 Stern, D. (2015). What are Effects of Osteoporosis on the Body? Retrieved from Demand Media: http://www.ehow.com/about_5084308_effects- osteoporosis-body.html Team, H. E. (2014, October 6). Osteoporosis Treatments. Retrieved from Healthline: http://www.healthline.com/health/osteoporosis- treatments#Lifestyle4 Vann, M. (2009, March 11). Physical Therapy for Osteoporosis Treatment. Retrieved from Everyday Health: http://www.everydayhealth.com/osteoporosis/physical-therapy-for-osteoporosis.aspx William C. Shiel Jr., M. (2014, June 9). Osteoporosis Symptoms. Retrieved from eMedicineHealth: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/osteoporosis/page3_em.htm