CME on ‘osteoporosis awareness’ held
As many as 45 doctors and para medical staff participated in a CME on ‘osteoporosis awareness’ at Ojas Super Speciality Hospital, Panchkula on Friday.
Addressing CME, Dr Gagandeep Gupta an ortho- consultant said that osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone density and the deterioration of bone tissue. As the bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fractures is greatly increased, he said.
The loss of bone occurs ‘silently’ and ‘progressively’. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs, he remarked.
Dr Gupta further said that initially, osteoporosis does not manifest any symptoms, however on a later stage, the bones become fragile & begin to break, he maintained.
“Symptoms occur late in the disease which includes bone pain and tenderness, broken bones (fractures), loss of height as a result of weakened spines.
Spinal deformities become evident like stooped posture, an outward curve at the top of the spine as a result of developing a vertebral collapse on the back.”
Talking about risk factors, Dr Gagandeep said that women have less bone tissue and loose bone more rapidly than men because of the hormonal changes involved in menopause.
“The older you are, the greater your risk of osteoporosis. Your bones become less dense and weaker as you age. The small, thin-boned women are at greater risk with Asian women are at highest risk.”
Susceptibility to fracture may be, in part, hereditary. People whose parents have a history of fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass and may be at risk for fractures, he pointed out.
The risk factors that one can change includes abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), low estrogen level (menopause), low testosterone level in men, diet low in calcium and vitamin D and an inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest, he asserted.
Talking about osteoporosis detection, Dr Gagan said that a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is the best way to determine your bone health.
BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures, and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment.
CME on ‘osteoporosis awareness’ held
A number of effective medications are available for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Doctor will recommend medications as per your specific needs in conjunction with lifestyle changes, concluded Dr Gagandeep.
