Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

History – family history, prolonged use of drugs like steroids etc, presence of osteoporotic fracture in a first degree relative, History of another fragility fracture, other underlying medical conditions predisposing to osteoporosis.

DEXA scan—Measures Bone Density and is used for diagnosis of Osteopenia &Osteoporosis using validated WHO criteria. Used to MONITOR TREATMENT WITH various Available drugs and modalities.

Weight Bearing exercise-eg walking, running, weight training

Calcium and Vitamin D supplements

Pharmacotherapy – Bisphosphonates,Calcitonin,Denosumab and Teriparatide-all used individually or in combination keeping in mind their side effects, drug interactions and limitation on time period of treatment.

These drugs have to be started on the basis of the bone density parameters as in DEXA scan and presence of an existing fragility fracture.

Family history of Osteoporosis or fragility fracture in a first degree relative increases the risk of developing Osteoporosis and close monitoring is essential. The presence of a fragility fracture increases the risk of having a second one, by at least three times unless appropriate therapy is started in time.