It was first described as 'porous bone' by Jean Georges Lobstein in 1829. Osteoporosis; In healthy and young bones, there is a structure consisting of minerals and mostly calcium salts bound to strong collagen fibers. It is normal for this structure to lose its strength and become weak and weak with age. However, osteoporosis means that bones become much more fragile due to the extreme decrease in bone density. Osteoporosis, also known as osteoporosis, literally means spongy (porous) bone. Cavities form inside the bones and their density decreases. This makes them prone to breakage and cracking. It is usually detected by imaging the bones after a fracture or crack develops. The bones where fractures due to osteoporosis are most common are the bones in the wrists, spine and hips. The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age, and it is also more likely to occur in women than in men.
One in every three women and one in every five men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. Gender is the main risk factor. Women lose 40-50% of their bone mass throughout their lives, and men lose 20-30%. Risk factors include being of white or Asian origin, blonde with blue eyes, thin skin, having a minion type, having a family history of osteoporosis, late or irregular menstruation, early menopause, nutritional status, excessive alcohol, coffee and salt consumption, and smoking. Diagnosis is made by measuring bone density. Its clinical course is characterized by fractures that occur due to decreased bone resistance.
If osteoporosis progresses, patients may feel some symptoms. Some of these are as follows:
-Back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra in the spine
-Shortening of height due to curvature of the bones over time
-Hunchback and crookedness posture
-Breaks and cracks that may occur even in simple movements
The symptoms given above are symptoms that can only manifest themselves in periods when osteoporosis reaches advanced levels and bone damage begins to occur. After the disease reaches this stage, It is largely impossible to reverse the damage that occurs. For this reason, older individuals should make the necessary lifestyle changes, pay attention to their diet and exercise regularly to avoid contracting this disease. Post-menopausal women should have bone density screening tests at intervals recommended by their physicians.
In the treatment of osteoporosis; Drugs that prevent bone destruction (Etidronate, Alendronate, Raloxifene, Calcitonin), increase bone formation (vitamin D derivatives, Parathormone), drugs that prevent bone destruction and increase bone formation (Estrogen, Strontium ranolide) are used. If bone fractures develop, surgical methods are used.
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