Osteoporosis
...Bones become brittle and are liable to fracture. +Osteoporosis is a ¡§silent¡¨ disease which progresses until bone mass has diminished to the point where minimal trauma results in fracture. Types of osteoporosis: - There are 2 types of osteoporosis- Type 1 „X Oestrogen- dependant, post- menopausal osteoporosis. „X Common in spine and wrist. „X Usually affects women within 15-20 years after menopause. „X Acceleration of bone loss seems to occur in the first 3-5 years after menopause. Type 2 „X Also known as senile osteoporosis- associated with ageing process itself „X usually affects dense cortical bone „X problem appears to be primarily doe to insufficient calcium intake or absorption. „X Oestrogen deficiency may also play a role. Osteoporosis fractures -risks: - Data from studies suggest that a 50 year old woman has an approximate lifetime risk of: „X 35% risk for vertebral fracture ¡V more common between 55-65 years. Usually type 1 osteoporosis. „X 18% risk for one hip fracture ¡V usually in last third of life. Usually type 2 osteoporosis. „X 17% risk for a wrist fracture these risks increase with increasing age vertebral crush fractures are the most common and are often associated with deformation, pain and loss of mobility. Other risk fractures + incorrect diet e.g. Too little absorption of calcium + anti ¡V convulsant drugs + hyperparathyroidism + ingestion of large doses of vitamin A. + immobility may accelerate bone loss + ageing and menopause lead to thinning of bony skeleton. Why prevent osteoporosis?¡K „X 50% of women will sustain an osteoporosis fracture during their lifetime. „X Up to 50% of women su...