Osteoporosis detection methods

Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

Updated on September 13, 2024

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Osteoporosis is a systemic special disease characterized by low bone mass and damaged bone microarchitecture, which leads to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. This is the standard set by the World Health Organization in 2017. However, currently in clinical practice, there is no direct method available to measure bone hardness. Therefore, an indirect method is used, which is the measurement of bone density. There are many methods to measure bone density, among which the gold standard is Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Other methods include single photon, single energy X-ray, Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT), peripheral quantitative CT, and quantitative ultrasound testing.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

37sec

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What is lacking in osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis refers to a systemic bone disease characterized by an imbalance in the mineral content within bone structures, such as calcium and phosphorus, as well as the bone matrix, such as collagen, leading to decreased bone hardness and damage to the bone's microstructure. This structural change results in increased brittleness, thereby raising the risk of fractures. It is primarily caused by a disruption in the normal proportional relationship between inorganic salts and the bone matrix, generally due to the loss of inorganic salts like calcium and phosphorus.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

43sec

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What to do about osteoporosis pain?

After osteoporosis leads to pain, we first need to clarify which part of the body the pain is located, or what causes the pain. If the pain is solely due to osteoporosis, such as decreased bone density in the limbs causing soreness and weakness, it is appropriate to supplement with calcium and vitamin D while also enhancing exercise to alleviate the pain. If the pain is due to fractures caused by osteoporosis, such as vertebral compression fractures or rib fractures, the fractures should first be repositioned, immobilized, and stabilized. Additionally, medications that treat osteoporosis should be used, such as those that inhibit bone resorption and promote bone formation.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

55sec

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What to eat for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis refers to decreased bone density and bone mass, which increases the fragility of bones and can lead to fractures and other systemic skeletal diseases. It commonly occurs in postmenopausal women or arises due to degenerative changes in the elderly. To prevent osteoporosis, one can start with dietary adjustments by increasing the intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk, shrimp crackers, kelp, and legumes. It is also important to engage in appropriate physical activities to enhance bone strength, thereby helping to prevent the exacerbation of osteoporosis. However, merely supplementing with calcium might not be very effective; it is also appropriate to supplement with Vitamin D. If adding calcium alone does not alleviate the symptoms, it might be necessary to use medications that reduce the loss of calcium to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

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Written by Xie Yi Song

Orthopedics

1min 23sec

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Is osteoporosis easy to treat?

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and destruction of bone tissue microstructure, resulting in increased bone fragility, decreased bone strength, and susceptibility to fractures. It is a systemic metabolic disease. Its treatment includes the following aspects: supplementation with calcium and Vitamin D, and the use of medications that inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. Firstly, calcium supplementation is essential, along with Vitamin D, which promotes the absorption of calcium. Based on the severity of osteoporosis, stronger medications might be necessary, such as bisphosphonates or calcitonin. The choice of treatment plan depends on the severity of the patient's condition. Both bisphosphonates and calcitonin are used to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts. The specific duration of treatment for osteoporosis depends on the patient's condition; additionally, patients need to regularly check their bone density. If the bone density is up to standard, they may stop the medication as per the doctor’s advice and undergo regular check-ups. If a relapse occurs, prompt medical treatment is necessary. Thus, the duration of treatment for osteoporosis is relatively long, generally from six months to a year, or even longer.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

51sec

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What to do with osteoporosis?

When osteoporosis occurs, it is first important to determine the cause of the osteoporosis, whether it's due to postmenopausal women, overuse injuries, or osteoporosis caused by long periods of immobilization following trauma. If such osteoporosis occurs, it is advisable to appropriately supplement with calcium and vitamin D, especially for postmenopausal women and elderly individuals affected by degenerative changes. These supplements can be taken orally, and appropriate physical exercise can be incorporated to increase bone strength and achieve recovery. In cases of disuse osteoporosis, appropriate functional exercises should be performed to allow for active muscle contractions and slight weight-bearing by the bones, which promotes circulation around the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.