Musculoskeletal - Osteoporosis Flashcards
What is osteoporosis?
Condition that weakens bones - fragile and more likely to break
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Often no symptoms until minor fall causes fracture
Uncommon fracture
What is the biological explanation of osteoporosis?
Due to loss of protein matrix - loss of bone density
Bones become brittle and more porous
Bones naturally become thinner with age
Menopause causes decline of oestrogen which promotes bone formation
What are the causes of osteoporosis?
Family history Heavy drinking Smoking Eating disorder Long term use of bone medications Lifestyle
How can osteoporosis be monitored?
Bone density scans - DEXA scan - measures calcium levels - produce T-score - compare to healthy person of same age
Blood tests - determine progression of condition - blood calcium + hormone levels
How can osteoporosis be treated?
Calcium + vitamin D supplements
HRT - oestrogen and progesterone - post menopause
Take biphosphates - slow rate of bone broken down + maintain bone density
Physiotherapy - strengthen bone and muscle
TENS machine - reduce pain
What are the benefits of blood tests for osteoporosis?
May help doctors choose treatment plan
Easy test
What are the cons of blood tests for osteoporosis?
Need to take regular tests - busy schedule or rural areas = difficult
Need to wait for results
What are the benefits of HRT for osteoporosis?
More mobile - independence
Lessen pain and symptoms
Promote bone formation
What are the cons of HRT for osteoporosis?
Side effect - increase risk of heart attack, gallstones etc…
NHS wait times are long
Stress + anxiety about effects
What are the impacts on lifestyle from osteoporosis?
Struggle to cope with pain - lack of sleep
Need to change diet - more calcium and vitamin D
Side effects from HRT - nausea, headache, cancer etc…
Need to attend appointments - rural area or busy lifestyle
