Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a major public health threat to more than 40 million Americans. Eight out of ten people that have osteoporosis are women. All ethnic groups are at risk for this disease. One in 2 women and one in 4 men will have an osteoporotic fracture over age 50. 1.5 million occur annually from osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Risk Factors:
(If you have any one of these factors you are at risk)
- Current Low Bone Mass
- Female
- Caucasian or Asian
- Thin or Small Frame
- Low Calcium Intake
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Over 65 years of age
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Personal history of fracture over age 50
- Estrogen deficiency from menopause, especially early or surgically induced
- Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Use of certain medications (corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants, etc.)
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Cigarette smoking, excessive caffeine intake, alcoholism
- Certain chronic medical conditions
- Low testosterone
- Women at any age with several risk factors
- Men with fractures and risk factors
- Patients on anti-seizure medications such as pheytoin and carbamazepine
Information provided by the University of Utah Department of Orthopaedics.
Resources
- Osteoporosis, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Osteoporosis, American College of Physicians
- Osteoporosis, MedlinePlus
- Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases, NIAMS
- Nutrition Clinic
University Orthopaedic Resources
Organizations
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- International Osteoporosis Foundation
- MedlinePlus
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- National Osteoporosis Foundation
- National Osteoporosis Society
The information provided may be useful for patients to become more knowledgeable about their specific injury, surgery or condition. It is provided for informational purposes only, and does not replace the advice of a physician.
