Osteoporosis Risk Factors Quiz

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

• Age: Individuals over 45 years are at higher risk for osteoporosis.
• Gender: Women are more prone to osteoporosis, with 200 million affected globally.
• Race: Asian Americans exhibit a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
• Body Size: Small-framed individuals are at increased risk for porous bones.
• Family History: Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in osteoporosis risk.
• Menstrual History: Late menarche and early menopause increase susceptibility.
• Fall and Fracture History: Previous recurrent falls or fractures elevate risk.

Modifiable Risk Factors

• Physical Activity: Lack of exercise and prolonged immobility contribute to bone density loss.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and high caffeine consumption exacerbate risk.
• Sunlight Exposure: Insufficient sunlight limits Vitamin D synthesis, crucial for bone health.
• Nutrition: Poor intake of calcium and Vitamin D combined with high protein, salt, and sugar consumption negatively affects bone strength.

Concurrent Medications

• Thyroid Replacement: Can influence bone density.
• Glucocorticoids: Long-term use leads to increased osteoporosis risk.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors: Chronic use may affect calcium absorption.
• Psychotropic Agents: Some can impact bone health.
• Anticonvulsants: Associated with decreased bone density.
• Anticoagulants: Risk of osteoporosis may increase with prolonged use.

Clinical Picture of Osteoporosis

• Asymptomatic Early Stage: Many individuals show no symptoms initially, with gradual bone weakness.
• Bone Fractures: Increased susceptibility to fractures, particularly in the vertebral spine and hip; other common sites include the wrist, pelvis, proximal humerus, and distal femur.
• Hunched Posture: Prolonged compression fractures may lead to kyphosis ("dowager's hump") and loss of height.
• Lower Back Pain: Fractures in the lower back can cause severe pain, lasting weeks.
• Neck Pain: Cervical lordosis can result from extending the neck, leading to muscle pain.
• Functional Limitations: Chronic pain can result in anxiety and depression, impacting daily activities.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

• Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Key indicator for diagnosing osteoporosis.
• Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA):
  • Gold standard for measuring bone density at the hip and spine.
  • Results categorized as:
    • Normal: BMD higher than -1
    • Osteopenia: BMD between -1 and -2.5
    • Osteoporosis: BMD of -2.5 or lower.