Bone Health Quiz

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bone will break easily, and healing will take too much time, especially in the lower extremities.
2 types of bones are affected: cortical bone (outer layer) and trabecular bone (inner layer).
There is a balance between bone formation and bone resorption, where new bone is formed and old bone is removed during childhood growth.

Transient bone loss: occurs when there is a rise in activity, stimulating bone growth, and can return to normal again (e.g., after a cast is used).
Sustain bone loss: occurs systematically and continuously due to other causes (e.g., osteoporosis).

Compresses vertebral bodies, making them thinner, leading to kyphosis, back pain, and difficulty in movement.
Affects women more, especially after the age of 50, with a severe drop in bone density.
Osteoporosis can also cause osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition characterized by imperfect bone formation.

CTBMD (Computed Tomography Bone Mineral Density) is a useful scan for measuring bone density with less radiation exposure.
DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a common scan used to measure bone density, but it can be affected by radiation, and any fracture will affect the reading.
CT scans provide a nice cross-section of the vertebra, whereas DXA only provides an AP (Anterior-Posterior) view.
Scout views are taken first to determine the extent of the scan.

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed using a combination of spine and hip scans.
Treatment involves reducing the risk of fractures, and supporting the patient during the scan to prevent movement.
Peak bone density is reached by age 20, and bone loss accelerates after age 50.
Osteoporosis can lead to a severe state of osteopenia, characterized by low bone density.

Osteopetrosis is a condition where the bones become too dense, leading to an abnormal bone structure.
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a condition characterized by imperfect bone formation, often caused by inflammation or asthma.
Underweight individuals, especially young girls who have never had their period, are more prone to osteoporosis.