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Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by low bone
mineral density (BMD) that results in an increased risk of
fracture. Measurement of BMD is the strongest predictor of
fracture risk-- the lower the bone mineral density, the
greater the risk of fracture.
Osteoporosis Facts
43 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteopenia).
1 out of every 2 women and 1 in 5 men will have an
osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
Osteoporosis is responsible for 1 million fractures
annually (300,000 hip fractures, 500,000 spinal fractures,
200,00 wrist fractures).
12% - 20% of hip fracture patients die within one year
after fracture.
One-fourth of all women over 60 have experienced a spinal
compression fracture (small vertebralbreaks that gradually
collapse the spine resulting in a "dowager's hump"
(hump back).
25% of the elderly who fracture their hip require long term
institutional care, representing the second-leading cause of
nursing home placement (behind stroke). Approximately 50% of
elderly patients with hip fractures never regain the same
level of functional independence.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms for Osteoporosis
- Loss of height
- History of recurrent or non-traumatic fractures
- Kyphosis (hump back)
- Back pain due to fracture or deformity
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
- Thin, small build
- Early menopause
- Family history of osteoporosis or osteoporosis-related
fractures
- Body fat less than 20%
- Lifestyle factors (inactivity, excessive alcohol or
caffeine consumption, smoking)
- Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
- Chronic use of steroids, excessive thyroid hormone,
certain anti-convulsants Gastrointestinal disease Liver
disease Kidney disease
Davis County Hospital Radiology
Department
641-664-2145, extension 2551
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