OSTEOPOROSIS AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY SCREENING
You may have heard of the terms osteoporosis and bone mineral density screening.
But should you be screened, and what are the risk factors to look out for?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass – leading to fragile bones which can fracture more easily. Typical sites for such a low trauma fractures is the hip, wrists and spine.
The reason behind screening for osteoporosis is identify individuals at an increased risk to sustain a low-trauma fracture, who can then be treated to minimize this risk.
If you have some or any of the following risk factors:
- Female gender and postmenopausal
- Have any history of a low-trauma fracture
- Have a parent who sustained a low trauma fracture of the hip, wrist or spine
- Are a smoker
- Have increased alcohol intake ( 2 or more units per day)
- Are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, or are taking chronic glucocorticoids or cortisone for another condition
- Have a low body weight or BMI
- Having a propensity for falls
Then make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your risks for osteoporosis, and the possible need to be referred for a Bone Mineral Density Scan, or a DXA scan (Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry).
The current South African guidelines suggest that:
- All women at and above 65 years must get a DXA scan,
- Men at or above 70 years of age,
- Or individuals at any age can get a DXA for a valid indication.
Thereafter it is suggested to monitor with a DXA scan 18-24 monthly.
Your doctor will take your risk factors and Bone Mineral Density readings into account, and decide on the appropriate intervention to decrease bone loss and prevent a future fracture.
Wat can I do at home to decrease my risk?
- Regular exercise: walking briskly for 5km per day, 4 days per week
- Added resistance exercises for the lower back (aided by biokineticist or physiotherapist)
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D, can also consider supplements.
