Osteoporosis Case Studies

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Osteoporosis, defined as a gradual, progressive condition that weakens and decreases the density of the long bones (Christondolou & Cooper, 2003). The long term affects of osteoporosis are most often found in the elderly (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). However, the disease actually slowly progresses beginning in mid-life (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). Because bones afflicted with osteoporosis are thin, weak and brittle, there is a significant increase in the chance and occurrence of fractures (Christondolou & Cooper, 2003). Osteoporosis is often referred to as the “silent disease”, in which case many people only become aware that they have the disease after they break or fracture a bone (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). Approximately two million …show more content…

Bones are typically a healthy combination of calcium, collagen and protein, all of these elements help to make our bones dense and strong (Christondolou & Cooper, 2003). Our bones are at their peak production in the late teens, early twenties (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). By approximately the age of 30, our bones will reach their peak bone mass production point or what is also known as “PBM” (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). After this point our bones begin to lose bone density and slow down in the production of bone tissue (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). With the onset of osteoporosis, the renewal of new bone tissue is abnormally slow and unable to effectively match the bodies natural process of removing old bone (Christondolou & Cooper, 2003). Both men and women of all ethnic races and backgrounds are affected by Osteoporosis (Siris, Bilezikian, et al, 2014) There are an estimated ten million people in the United States living with osteoporosis, and approximately eighty percent of those statistics are women (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). Asian and Caucasian women, especially post menopausal older women are the highest risk factor associated with osteoporosis. (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). It is thought by some experts that the reason for the high percentage of women afflicted, is that women tend to …show more content…

A few examples are; small framed and thin women, heredity, and ethnicity are all contributing factors (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). Additionally there are also some ailments and conditions that could increase the risk of developing osteoporosis (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). To name a few; Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. (Siris, Bilezikian, et al., 2014). Diets low in calcium and vitamin D, along with smoking and a sedentary life style also imposes a greater risk for developing osteoporosis (Kanis, Melton, et al., 1994). Additionally, excess alcohol drinking is linked to bone density loss and an increase in risk of bone fractures (Christondolou & Cooper, 2003). Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat asthma and other conditions, are yet another way to increase your risk of bone loss (Christondolou & Cooper, 2003). Eating disorders such as; anorexia nervosa and bulimia can also adversely affect your bone health (Christondolou & Cooper,

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