Bone density decreases after 35 yrs of age: Dr Dheeraj Dubey

According to several studies, osteoporosis causes more than 89 lakh fractures annually worldwide, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every three seconds. Osteoporosis is greatly under-diagnosed and under-treated in India, even in the most high-risk patients who already have fracture. 

The problem is particularly acute in rural areas. In the most populous countries like India, the majority of the population lives in rural areas, where hip fractures are often treated conservatively at home instead of surgical treatment in hospitals.

“Osteoporosis is a condition of fragile bone with an increased susceptibility to fracture,” Dr Dheeraj Dubey, Joint Replacement Surgeon at Shalby Hospital said. “Osteoporosis weakens bone and increases risk of bones breaking. Bone density decreases after 35 years of age, and bone loss occurs more rapidly in women after menopause,” he added.

Osteoporosis literally leads to abnormally porous bones that is compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens the bone and results in frequent fractures. As per doctors, key risk factors for osteoporosis include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.

“Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur. The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density,” Dr Dubey said.

Treatments for osteoporosis, with osteoporosis medications, include stopping use of alcohol and cigarettes, and assuring adequate exercise, calcium, and vitamin D.

Doctor speaks

“Patients with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fractures occur. The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be suggested by X-rays and confirmed by tests to measure bone density,” Dr Dheeraj Dubey, Joint Replacement Surgeon at Shalby Hospital said.