Osteoporosis is the name of the condition when the structural integrity of bone is brittle and porous (full of holes). When bones are osteoporotic, they can easily be broken or fractured even with minimal trauma such as falling from standing height. Osteoporosis is considered a ‘silent disease’ as some people will not realize they have this condition until they actually break a bone and then are subsequently diagnosed.

How is it diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a specialized X-ray called a DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). It sends two X-ray beams at different peak energy frequencies to the target bones. One peak is absorbed by soft tissue and the other by bone. When the soft tissue absorption amount is subtracted from the total absorption, the remainder is the bone mineral density. 

What are risk factors for Osteoporosis?

This condition typically occurs in postmenopausal women but can also affect men too. Patients who take chronic moderate to high dose corticosteroids can be at risk for developing osteoporosis too, regardless of their age. Other risk factors include low body mass index, personal or parental history of fracture, tobacco smoking, heavy alcohol use, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes, osteogenesis imperfecta in adults, untreated long-standing hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism or premature menopause (<45 years), chronic malnutrition, or malabsorption and chronic liver disease.

What does treatment look like?

The first step is to reduce and ideally eliminate any modifiable risk factors. Next would be to add weight-bearing exercises and ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake from nutrition and supplements if needed. Those with osteoporosis who are at high risk for fracture would benefit from medications. Medications include bisphosphonates, daily self-injections teriparatide and abaloparatide, and in-clinic injections denosumab and romosozumab. Your doctor specializing in the treatment of osteoporosis would select the best fit treatment based on your individual needs.

How to Schedule an Appointment For Osteoporosis

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lomibao by calling our office or filling out our Request Appointment form. Lomibao Rheumatology & Wellness Care is a full-service rheumatology clinic with an on-site infusion lounge and telehealth services available for established patients. Lomibao Rheumatology & Wellness Care is currently accepting new patients, and we welcome you to join our family by contacting us today!

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