骨質疏鬆症的防治

OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is one of the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide. It refers to a decrease in bone density, which makes bones more fragile and increases the risk of bone damage. According to figures from the Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association, among people aged 65 and above, women have a 50% chance of having osteoporosis, while men have a 20% chance.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that occurs when the bone metabolism process is unbalanced, resulting in bone loss exceeding regeneration. Consequently, bone quality and density will be lower than normal, leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is primarily caused by reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption, and can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary osteoporosis is caused by general aging-related decline in bone cell function or by postmenopause affecting calcium absorption. Secondary osteoporosis is caused by long-term medication use, poor lifestyle habits, or other diseases.

1. Postmenopausal osteoporosis: Menopause can affect the concentration of bone calcium in the body.
2. Age-related osteoporosis: The recovery ability of the elderly is weaker. While stimulating osteoclasts, it inhibits osteoblasts, resulting in a decrease in bone mass.
3. Idiopathic osteoporosis: The cause is not yet clear, but it may be related to abnormal bone metabolism regulation or abnormal calcium metabolism.
4. Secondary osteoporosis: mainly caused by diseases or medications that affect bone metabolism.

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Causes of osteoporosis

Elders over 50 years old
Women (more likely than men)
Racial factors (Asians and Caucasians are more likely to be affected).
Family history of osteoporosis
Disease factors
Smoking, excessive drinking, and consuming too many caffeinated beverages
Limited physical activity and prolonged bed rest
Reduced sunlight exposure, calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, high-sodium diet, etc.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

Bone loss is usually asymptomatic, meaning there are no symptoms. The greatest danger of osteoporosis is that the general public is unaware of bone loss. Early symptoms of osteoporosis include lower back pain, neck pain, lower back pain, decreased height, and noticeable stooping.

Osteoporosis-related falls

The biggest risk factor for osteoporosis is falls caused by bone loss, most commonly affecting the hip, spine, and wrist. Hip injuries, in particular, have a high mortality rate for the elderly, often requiring bed rest or even joint replacement. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Centre, approximately 10-20% of patients die within a year of hip injury, and nearly 70% will permanently lose their ability to care for themselves.

Diagnosis of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is mainly diagnosed through bone density tests and ultrasound measurements. Two-photon absorptiometry (DEXA) is used to examine the bones in the center of the body to determine bone density. It is recommended that this test be performed during health checkups for people over 40 years of age.

Methods for treating osteoporosis

Lifestyle therapy:

Before using medication, you can make some lifestyle changes to alleviate osteoporosis symptoms, such as appropriate exercise, a normal diet, and outdoor sunlight exposure.

Drug therapy:

Drug therapy should be combined with lifestyle modifications. Currently available medications include calcium supplements, diphosphates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and calcitonin, which aim to slow bone loss and prevent osteoporosis.