Osteoporosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Osteoporosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Osteoporosis is an important health problem in the United States affecting approximately 24 million Americans, 15 to 20 million of whom are women over 45 years of age. Bone fractures are the major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporosis. The most common fractures are those of the forearm, hip, and vertebral body, as well as the humerus, tibia, pelvis, and ribs. Osteoporosis-related injuries result in complications leading to prolonged hospitalization, decreased independence, increased incidence of depression, and a reduced quality of life. The disease takes an enormous personal and economic toll, with estimated costs in excess of $13.8 billion annually for direct medical treatment. The incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures is increasing and constitutes a major public health problem in the United States. With a few preventive measures such as identification of risk factors, careful examination, and a few simple diagnostic tests, prevention of osteoporosis during the teen and early adult years is far superior to any treatment for older individuals. Osteoporosis can be identified and an appropriate treatment strategy can be determined.
Osteoporosis is a systemic disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures of hip, spine, and wrist. Osteopenia has been defined as the appearance of decreased bone mineral content on radiography, but the term more appropriately refers to a phase in the continuum from decreased bone mass to fractures and infirmity. By the time the diagnosis of osteopenia is made radiographically, significant and irreversible bone loss has already occurred. The most common cause of osteopenia is osteoporosis; other causes include osteomalacia and the bone disease of hyperparathyroidism.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Osteoporosis is an important health problem in the United States affecting approximately 24 million Americans, 15 to 20 million of whom are women over 45 years of age. Bone fractures are the major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporosis. The most common fractures are those of the forearm, hip, and vertebral body, as well as the humerus, tibia, pelvis, and ribs. Osteoporosis-related injuries result in complications leading to prolonged hospitalization, decreased independence, increased incidence of depression, and a reduced quality of life. The disease takes an enormous personal and economic toll, with estimated costs in excess of $13.8 billion annually for direct medical treatment. The incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures is increasing and constitutes a major public health problem in the United States. With a few preventive measures such as identification of risk factors, careful examination, and a few simple diagnostic tests, prevention of osteoporosis during the teen and early adult years is far superior to any treatment for older individuals. Osteoporosis can be identified and an appropriate treatment strategy can be determined.
Introduction
Osteoporosis is a systemic disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures of hip, spine, and wrist. Osteopenia has been defined as the appearance of decreased bone mineral content on radiography, but the term more appropriately refers to a phase in the continuum from decreased bone mass to fractures and infirmity. By the time the diagnosis of osteopenia is made radiographically, significant and irreversible bone loss has already occurred. The most common cause of osteopenia is osteoporosis; other causes include osteomalacia and the bone disease of hyperparathyroidism.
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