Osteoporosis

Question 1

Is osteoporosis associated with low bone mineral density

Answer 1

yes

Question 2

is osteoporosis associated with deterioration of bone tissue

Answer 2

yes

Question 3

Does osteoporosis increase the risk of fracture and also increase fragility

Answer 3

yes (fractures with minimal trauma/ low impact as well)

Question 4

How is osteoporosis measured?

Answer 4

by scanning the axial skeleton with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

Question 5

what does -1 mean in terms of osteoporosis?

Answer 5

person is normal/ healthy

Question 6

-1/ -2.5 > what does it mean in terms of osteoporosis ?

Answer 6

low bmd

Question 7

-2.5 and below, what does it mean in terms of osteoporosis?

Answer 7

it means the individual has osteoporosis

Question 8

where are the common sites of osteoporosis?

Answer 8

distal radius, proximal humerus, vertebral bodies, pelvis and the proximal femur

Question 9

are hip fractures concerning?

Answer 9

yes!!

Question 10

What are some areas that are likely to indicate another condition, other than osteoporosis?

Answer 10

fingers, toes, skull/ face

Question 11

what are some modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis?

Answer 11

smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity, low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, low protein intake

Question 12

medical/ drug related risk factors for osteoporosis?

Answer 12

glucocorticosteroids, some cancer treatments, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, heparin, SSRIs

Question 13

Non-modifiable risk factors of osteoporosis

Answer 13

genetics, family history, female sex, post-menopause, early menopause, late menarche, increasing age, endocrine disorders, malabsorption syndromes, chronic liver/kidney/cardiopulmonary diseases, low body weight, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disorders + haematological disorders

Question 14

is osteoporosis considered a silent disease?

Answer 14

yes, because it is not painful

Question 15

What is a physio’s role when presented with osteoporosis?

Answer 15

fall prevention and addressing modifiable risk factors

Question 16

fall prevention strategies for osteoporosis

Answer 16

increased weight bearing exercise and balance training, ensure adequate calcium intake, ensure vitamin D sufficiency, stop smoking, limit alcohol intake to two standards per day.

Question 17

fall prevention measures for osteoporosis

Answer 17

improving vision, be aware of medications (e.g. drugs causing sedation, hypotension, dizziness etc.) minimising household risks (e.g. mats, clutter, worn carpets), providing aids for daily living (e.g. gait aids + rails), minimising periods of immobilisation, promoting exercise to maintain mobility, balance and strength.