Osteoporosis Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Some persons with osteoporosis become severely disabled as a result of weakened bones. Hip fractures leave about half of patients unable to walk independently. This is one of the major reasons people are admitted to nursing homes.

Although osteoporosis is debilitating, it does not affect life expectancy.

Complications

• Compression fractures of the spine
• Hip and wrist fractures
• Disability caused by severely weakened bones
• Loss of ability to walk due to hip fractures

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoporosis or if you wish to be screened for the condition.

Prevention

Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bone. Vitamin D is also needed because it helps your body absorb calcium. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you get these and other important nutrients throughout life.

Other tips for prevention:

• Don't smoke
• Avoid drinking excess alcohol
• Get regular exercise

A number of medications are approved for the prevention of osteoporosis.

References

Cranney A, Papaioannou A, Zytaruk N, et al. Clinical Guidelines Committee of Osteoporosis Canada. Parathyroid hormone for the treatment of osteoporosis: a systematic review. CMAJ. 2006 Jul 4;175(1):52-9.

Gass M, Dawson-Hughes B. Preventing osteoporosis-related fractures: an overview. Am J Med. 2006 Apr;119(4 Suppl 1):S3-S11. Review.

Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: 2006 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2006 May-Jun;13(3):340-67.

Poole KE, Compston JE. Osteoporosis and its management.BMJ. 2006 Dec 16;333(7581):1251-6. Review.