OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis, which means “porous bones,” is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone strength, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. An estimated 1.5 million fractures occur each year in the U.S. as a result of low bone mass, with someone suffering a hip fracture approximately every two minutes. Americans aged 50 and older have almost a 40 percent chance of suffering an osteoporotic fracture. Thus, one in three people –about 90 percent of them women-will suffer a fracture related to low bone mass. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the associated cost of osteoporotic fractures is approximately $10 billion annually.

The three most common osteoporotic fracture sites are the wrist, hip and spine. Hip fractures are by far the most debilitating osteoporotic fracture, often causing a loss of independence, prolonged immobility and death due to complications from surgery or being confined to bed. 90 percent of hip fractures occur due to a fall from standing height or less. It’s estimated that 50 percent of people who sustain a hip fracture due to a fall never become functional walkers again.

Osteoporosis occurs nine times more frequently in women than men. While there is no cure for osteoporosis, a combination of genetic, dietary, age related, hormonal and lifestyle factors help determine an individuals risk for the disease. Preventive measures include altering lifestyle factors, such as nutrition and exercise, and, in some cases, administering pharmacological agents (hormone replacement, amino bisphosphonates). Between the ages of 30-50, reducing the rate of age related bone loss with life style modification is essential. Following menopause and into the 7th decade and beyond, individuals should strive to reduce their risk of falling by maximizing home safety and implementing a carefully designed exercise program. Improvement in aerobic fitness, muscle mass, strength, flexibility and balance should form the basis of the exercise program for this population. Functional fitness movements that include walking and balance skills are appropriate since they reflect the health and function of the neuromuscular system. General flexibility exercises to improve range of motion should follow all forms of exercise.