Joints Flashcards
How many osteoporosis related fractures are there per year in the UK?
230,000, costing 1.8b
What is the incidence of complications of hip fractures?
associated with prolonged hospital stays, 20% die within 6 months due to HAI/VTE etc
How many people does osteoporosis affect ?
1 in 2 women over 50
1 in 5 men over 50
What is the thick/outer shell of the bone called?
cortex
What is the meshwork inside the bone called?
trabecular bone
What do osteoblasts do?
Build new bone
What do osteoclasts do?
Break down old bone (resorption)
What causes osteoporosis?
increased osteoclast activity, decreased osteoblast activity, low peak bone mass
What is the WHO definition of osteoporosis?
a generalized skeletal disorder of low bone mass (thinning of the bone) and deterioration in its architecture, causing susceptibility to fracture.
How long does it usually take for bone to be remodelled?
100 days
What factors influence bone turnover?
hormones (oestrogen, testosterone), cytokines, prostaglandins
What are the signs/symptoms of osteoporosis?
- fracture (usually first presentation)
- reduced bone density on DXA scan
- pain, reduced mobility
- kyphosis (in vertebral fractures)
- reduction in height
What problems can vertebral fractures cause?
- 10-20% reduction in height
- indigestion, neck weakness, back pain, loss of mobility
often underdiagnosed
What is the average age for reaching [peak bone mass?
25
After what age does bone mass decrease, and by how much?
approx 40, 0.5-1% per year
Why do women have accelerated bone loss?
oestrogen has protective effects, which is lost after menopause
What and who are DXA scans used for?
measure bone density at hip/lower spine to get a T score
used for high risk patients or those with established OP
What T score is the threshold for osteoporosis?
What are risk factors for osteoporosis?
Hx of fracture / in 1st degree relative
Smoking, alcohol
Low body weight
Female, Oestrogen deficiency
Corticosteroid use- prednisolone ≥ 7.5mg daily for 3/12 or more
White race
Increase age
Low calcium intake
Lack of exercise
Recurrent falls, Dementia, Impaired eyesight
Poor health/ frailty- especially RA, renal disease, liver disease, IBD
What lifestyle changes can be made to help prevent osteoporosis?
adequate calcium and vit D
weight bearing exercise
reduce alcohol and smoking
reduce risk of falls, esp in elderly
What medications can be used to manage osteoporosis?
Calcium, vitamin D, calcitriol, HRT
SERMS, bisphosphates, calcitonin
strontium, PTH, denosumab
Incidence of osteoarthritis?
2% overall, 12% of over 65s
When is the most common onset of osteoarthritis?
40-60