Osteoporosis Flashcards
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is trabecular (spongy) and cortical bone lose mass and interconnections despite normal bone mineralization and lab values.
What is the most common cause of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is most commonly caused by increased bone resorption related to decrease in estrogen levels and old age.
What are secondary causes of osteoporosis?
- Drugs: steroids, alcohol, aniconvulsants, anticoagulants, thyroid replacement therapy
- hyperparathyroidism
- hyperthyroidism
- multiple myeloma
- malabsorptive syndromes
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is diagnosed by a bone mineral density scan (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry –> DEXA) with a T-score of less than or equal to -2.5 or by a fragility fracture of the hip/vertebra.
What can be done prophylactically to prevent osteoporosis?
- weight bearing exercises
2. adequate calcium and vitamin D intake throughout adulthood
What are treatment options for osteoporosis?
- bisphosphonates
- teriparatide
- SERMs
- Rarely calcitonin
- Denosumab –> monoclonal antibody against RANKL
What are complications of osteoporosis?
Vertebral compression fractures –> present with acute back pain, loss of height, kyphosis
Also can present with femoral neck or distal radius (Colles fracture)