Osteoporosis: Detecting Silent Bone Loss
Fragility fractures are not an inevitable part of ageing.
Dr. Inès Da Costa
Endocrinologist
All women from 65, men from 70, and earlier in the presence of risk factors (steroid use, early menopause, low body weight, family history).
Diagnosis
DXA bone densitometry, FRAX score for 10-year fracture risk.
Treatment
- Calcium 1000-1200 mg/day from diet preferred
- Vitamin D supplementation
- Bisphosphonates, denosumab, romosozumab, teriparatide for established disease
- Weight-bearing and resistance exercise
Fall prevention
Vision correction, medication review, home safety adjustments, balance training. Most fractures occur from low-energy falls.
A vertebral fracture from minimal trauma is osteoporosis until proven otherwise.
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