Osteoporosis Overview and PT Interventions

Osteoporosis

• Definition: A common metabolic bone disease affecting ~10 million US adults. Characterized by decreased bone mass and micro-damage to bone structure, increasing fracture risk. A precursor is osteopenia (low bone mass).
• PT Interventions: Aim to stabilize or increase bone mass, prevent fracture, maximize function, improve quality of life, and manage symptoms.
• Screening: Look for signs like sharp mid-thoracic pain after sneezing, increased thoracic kyphosis, and assess balance and fall risk. A strong link exists between depression and osteoporosis.
• Exercise: Resistive training is more effective than aerobic exercise in strengthening specific areas like hips. Gradual increases in exercise intensity help bones adapt, and exercise should be varied. Aquatic exercises are beneficial in maintaining range of motion without stressing bones.
• Precautions: Avoid posterior mobilization to the mid-thoracic spine in patients prone to prevent rib fractures.

Osteomyelitis

• Definition: Bone inflammation caused by bacterial infection. Two forms include:
  • Acute: A new bone infection that can become chronic if treatment is delayed.
  • Chronic: A subacute or chronic infection often resulting from an open bone injury, persistent bone infection, or undiagnosed acute disease.
• Therapist Implications: Be vigilant for infection signs in patients at risk. Prevent contractures, muscle atrophy, impaired joint mechanics, maximize function, and manage symptoms. Implement hospital infection control policies early in therapy.

Osteomalacia

• Definition: A progressive bone disease. Characterized by insufficient mineralization of new bone matrix, resulting in bone softening without loss of existing bone matrix. It's the adult form of rickets.
• Causes: Typically due to calcium, vitamin D, and/or phosphate deficiency.
• PT Interventions: Stabilize or increase bone mass, prevent fractures, maximize function, improve quality of life, and manage symptoms.

This quiz covers the fundamentals of osteoporosis, including its definition, common interventions in physical therapy, screening methods, and the importance of exercise. Participants will learn about effective strategies to manage and prevent this condition, aimed at improving quality of life and reducing fracture risks.