Osteoporosis Clinic

Osteoporosis, which literally means ‘porous bone’, is a disease in which the bone mass and bone strength are reduced. If not prevented or left untreated, the loss of bone occurs ‘silently’ and progressively. This reduces the density of bone, making them weak and easy to break, resulting in fracture.

Osteoporosis is common, affecting one in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty; however, the disease can strike at any age.

As bone loss is gradual and painless, often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur at the hip, spine and wrist. Spinal fractures can result in serious consequences, including loss of height, intense back pain and deformity. A hip fracture often requires surgery and may result in loss of independent living.
In some cases, a stooped back and loss in height may be the only visible signs that a person has osteoporosis.
Since the disease does not have obvious symptoms, doctors may recommend diagnostic testing depending on a person’s age and whether other risk factors can be identified.

Bone is a living tissue. Old bones are constantly replaced by new bones. Bone mass increases from birth, reaching a maximum strength and size (peak bone mass) in early adulthood.A person’s peak bone mass is determined largely by genetic factors, but other factors such as nutrition, physical activity and disease also influence bone development. As we get older, we are no longer able to replace bone tissue as quickly as we lose it.Osteoporosis occurs when new bone formation does not match the bone loss.

• Gender - Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.In women the rate of bone loss increases significantly after menopause, when hormone (oestrogen) production stops and bones no longer benefit from its protective effect. Men also suffer from loss of bone tissue, but the rate of loss is much slower.
• Ageing
• A family history of osteoporosis or broken bones as adults
• Having a thin, small framed body
• Lack of exercise, especially weight bearing ones, such as walking
• Long term bed rest
• Low calcium and vitamin D intake or absorption
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Long term use of some medicines like steroids
• Certain other diseases like Asthma, Thyroid Illness, Arthritis

The good news is that osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable condition. A combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment can prevent fractures.
Recent advances in treatment of osteoporosis not only prevents further bone loss but can also lead to formation of new bones.
If you are more than 50 years or have any of the above risk factors, or have had a fracture at wrist, spine or hip, it is highly recommended that you seek advice to assess your bone health status and take corrective measures to prevent complications.

Osteoporosis clinic at kokilaben hospital

The Osteoporosis Clinic aims to prevent and treat osteoporosis through education, nutrition, physical therapy and medication.The primary goal is to prevent fractures by stopping or slowing bone loss, maintaining bone strength and eliminating factors that contribute to falls.The clinic will be managed by specialists who have expertise in various aspects of osteoporosis.

We provide comprehensive care including clinical and therapeutic services, helpful education and information programs.
Each new patient will meet a dietician, physiotherapist, nurse clinician and a consultant.
Your visit will include:

• detailed history and clinical examination by a consultant specialising in osteoporosis
• Assessment of risk factors for osteoporosis by a simple questionnaire
• Bone density testing by DEXA scan – an X-ray like machine which measures your bone mass in a simple, painless manner in 20 minutes.
• Basic Blood Tests: CBC, ESR, SGPT, Creatinine, Total Protein, Calcium, Phosphorus, Alkaline phosphatase, Vitamin D3, TSH, PTH
• X-ray of Dorsolumbar spine – Lateral view (if the bone density is low)

Based on the above mentioned findings, if the specialist feels that further tests are necessary, additional investigations may be suggested.
At the end of assessment, you will be given a comprehensive review of your bone health status. Lifestyle and diet modification advice will be offered. Exercises for improving bone strength and fall prevention strategies will be advised. Medications will be prescribed as needed. If any further intervention is required for cases with severe osteoporosis, it will managed by our experienced team using the most advanced technology.

• Dedicated team of skilled and experienced full time clinicians
• State-of-the art facility designed for maximum patient comfort
• Advanced technology with the latest DEXA machine
• Expertise to manage complex cases
• Multi-disciplinary approach