Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones. When this occurs, they can fracture easily. Bones in the hip, spine (backbone), and wrist are most often affected. Special cells in the body are used for making and breaking down bone material. As you age, more bone is broken down than is replaced. The inside of bone normally looks like a honeycomb. In osteoporosis, the spaces in this honeycomb grow larger. As more bone is broken down and not replaced, the inside of the bone weakens. The mechanisms of osteoporosis are not fully understood however the risk factors presented below are strongly associated with osteoporosis to the extent that are considered as predisposing factors.

Risk factors (General)

• Women 50 years old and over.

• Family history of osteoporosis

• Early menopause (occurs before age 45, naturally or surgically after total hysterectomy)

• Thin, short stature.

• Height loss greater than 1 inch.

• Asian and Caucasian ethnic groups.

• Lifestyle factors:

• Diets low in calcium and vitamin D.

• Smoking and/or excessive use of alcohol.

• Drinking caffeinated or carbonated beverages.

• Lack of exercise.

• Hormonal diseases and imbalances

• Long standing treatment on steroids

• Liver problems

• High stress environments

There are various methods to measure bone density, however the most widespread and accurate method is by using low energy X-ray method called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA Scan for short. This examination is simple and very accurate and requires the patient to lie comfortably while the scanner runs smoothly and slowly over the areas programmed by the radiographer. This test is done by aiming low dose X-ray beam at the most vulnerable areas for bone loss. The amount of bone loss is calculated from the amount of energy that travels through the bone and is picked up by the detector. The examination test takes about 10 minutes and is done with the patient fully clothed. Another important requirement for a bone density scan is that patients are weighed and their height measured. This information will contribute for computation of the bone density index called the ‘Z’ score by the software, matched to the client’s age and sex.

The DEXA-scan can show whether you are at risk of suffering a fracture. If you have already broken a bone and your doctor thinks you might have osteoporosis, the test can confirm the diagnosis. The test results are reported as a number. If the result is –2.5 SD (standard deviation) or more, this means you have osteoporosis. A test finding of –1SD to –2.5SD means you have some bone loss, technically referred to as osteopenia.

This test involves minimal radiation exposure. The information from this test enables doctor and specialists to compare your bone density to others your age. Scores lower than normal indicate you may have oteopenia or osteoporosis and be at higher risk of bone fracture. The results can help your doctor decide on any treatment that may be needed.

Services offered by Saint James for osteoporosis

• Bone density measurements

• Professional advice provided by consultant physicians specialised in the subject leading to personalised treatment depending on cause and lifestyles of clients.

• Various personalised loss weight clinics if required.

• X-ray services which may be required to complement bone density results or help treatment planning and/or assessment