Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition characterised by weakness and thinning of bone and potentially resulting in fractures, usually of the hip, wrist, humerus, pelvis and the vertebrae of the spine. The risk of fracture rises with age and most fractures do not occur until later life. The strength of a person’s skeleton depends mainly on their genes but there are a number of important environmental factors that may result in weakened bone. It is estimated that 3.2 million people in the UK have osteoporosis and 180,000 individuals suffer a fracture each year.
What causes Osteoporosis?
Bone strength is determined by its quality and its mass – the more you have the less likely you are to break a bone. A persons peak bone mass is achieved at the age of 30 and thereafter there is a steady decline in bone mass. This decline is partly determined by age and genetic factors but there are several other important health and lifestyle issues that play a role. Those with several risk factors are at increased risk of fracture.
What are the Risk factors for osteoporosis?
The most important risk factors are age (especially over 60) and being female. If you have already had a fracture, of the wrist for example, then you are much more likely to suffer a future fracture. One study showed that 34% of second fractures occur within the first year of the first fracture. A family history is important, especially a maternal history of hip fracture. Certain lifestyle factors, including smoking and alcohol, can decrease bone quality as well as reduce bone mass. Patients who have a longstanding illness like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease may be at risk. In addition certain drugs are documented to be harmful to bone, particularly steroids.
| Risk factors for osteoporosis |
|---|
| Age |
| Gender |
| Previous fracture |
| Maternal history of hip fracture |
| Smoking |
| Alcohol > 3 units daily |
| Low body mass index (BMI) |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Oral steroid therapy |
| Falls |
| Low Bone density |