Osteoporosis is a disorder leading to fragile and weak bones that exposes the patient to an increased risk of fracture. Since this disorder makes silent inroads into a patient’s system, they are not aware until they break a bone. Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis run a 60 to 80 percent risk of encountering the disorder. Excessive amount of smoking and alcoholism also leads to bone degeneration. Low body weight, calcium deficiency, chronic medical problems like hyperthyroidism and diabetes, excess physical activity to the extent of bone damage and exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are potential risk factors leading to osteoporosis.

The primary consequence of osteoporosis is an increased risk of fracture. Since it has no specified symptoms, the diagnosis is done by measuring the BMD (bone mineral density) of an individual. Apart from this, blood tests and X-rays can also be performed for further investigation. Women aged more than sixty run a greater risk of osteoporosis. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has recommended a bone densitometry screening for all women who are 60 to 64 years old. The ORAI (Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument) is probably the most sensitive strategy for selecting women who run a greater risk of osteoporosis and need an urgent bone mineral density testing.

Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis needs a mix of medication and lifestyle change. Regular exercise and proper nutrition during adolescence is important for every individual. Quality exercise and proper nutrition should not be periodic but should be carried throughout life since it delays bone degeneration. Diet should comprise of good amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Tobacco and alcohol intake should be avoided. High-risk osteoporosis cases can be treated with bisphosphonate.

Bisphosphonates belong to the class of drugs that limits the range or extent of osteoclast action (Osteoclasts are a type of bone cell that resorbs bone). Thus bisphosphonates inhibits the resorption of bones. Fosamax (Generic name: Alendronate) is a bisphosphonate prescribed to treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases as well. Post-menopausal women having osteoporosis, when treated with Fosamax have shown remarkable normalization of bone formation and a good increase in the bone mineral density thus reducing the risk of fractures.


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