Osteoporosis - An Update

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by decrease in bone mass per unit volume, compromisedbone strength, which predisposes the affected bone to fracture. This is currently one of the leading causes ofmorbidity and mortality among elderly over the world. In general, osteoporosis is a silent and progressivedisorder that is often brought to attention of the patients or physician only after a fracture. The aetiology ofosteoporosis is multifactorial and is related to two main processes: acquisition of peak bone density thatoccurs at the end of the third decade and loss of bone at menopause, going on to old age. The cardinalfeatures of osteoporosis are pain, fracture and deformity. Bone mineral density measurement is the mostreliable diagnostic tool in the early stage of osteoporosis. Management of osteoporosis involves preventionand treatment. The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention. The risk of osteoporosis can be reduced byincreasing peak bone mass or by decreasing the bone loss. It needs to be emphasized that bone mineraldensity (BMD) peaks at about age 35 and then begins to slowly decline with significant acceleration aftermenopause. Therefore, the most logical and cost-effective preventive strategies are to encourage young womento stop smoking and avoid excessive use of alcohol. They should also be counseled to exercise regularly andconsume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.Key Words: Osteoporosis, Fracture, Bone mineral density, Menopause.