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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition of weakened bone sometimes called brittle bone disease. The bone that is present is biologically normal, but there is a deficiency on the amount of bone substance. There are other very rare conditions where the bone is not normal, and may or may not be mechanically weaker.

These fractures come about from the loss of bone substance, most of which is lost after menopause. Men and other women are more protected, but from time to time can also have osteoporosis. There is a close relationship between the strength of the bone supporting the joint prosthesis and the long–term success of the implant. We are only now realizing how important the surrounding bone is in protecting the joint implant from loosening and other damage.

Typically bone loss starts after menopause, and progresses over time. All bone loss is bad, but as bone loss progresses complications can arise, such as fractures, curvature of the spine, and back pain. While some risk factors for osteoporosis and not under our control, like our age and gender, our ancestry, and our family health history, other risk factors can be affected by our behavior. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and avoidance of calcium rich foods. If you have suffered a bone fracture, especially of the hip, wrist or spine, bones that are most frequently involved with osteoporosis, you probably already have some osteoporosis. In this circumstance, treatment for bone weakness is justified and is very important.

Treatment for osteoporosis

Synthetic estrogen or progestin therapy or both for postmenopausal women
Intake of calcium and other nutrients
Weight–bearing exercise
Drugs such as calcitonin and alendronate sodium, a no hormonal treatment for osteoporosis.

Simple measures that are important for good bone health is an adequate dietary intake of calcium, 1200 mg per day is recommended.
An 8 oz. Glass of milk has 300 mg of calcium. Along with calcium, it is important to take at least 400 units of vitamin D, found in all over–the–counter multivitamins. Another simple measure is to get daily weight–bearing exercise, such as a walking program.

Newer drugs which are not hormones can be used when hormone replacement is too risky, associated with too many side effects or is not working to maintain bone strength. After treatment is started, a bone density test should be repeated every 2 years. If drugs are necessary for bone maintenance, they may be necessary for a lifetime, although this has not yet been decided.

Diet

Goal: 1200 mg of Calcium Milk, 8 oz 300 mg Cheese 1 oz, 200 mg Calcium pills (Calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, 1200 mg/day)
Goal: 400 to 800 units per day Vitamin D Yogurt 8 oz 400 mg Calcium fortified orange juice Multivitamins, 400 units/tablet, Fortified milk, 400 units/quart

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