The Private Medical Center, in association with the Competence Center for Osteology focuses on another feature. Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease worldwide. In Germany alone, approximately 8 million people are affected by the illness – primarily women after menopause and the elderly. The number of new cases every year is estimated at 885.000. The recognition of risk factors, precautions and preventive measures are our main focuses.
In principle, though, osteoporosis can occur at all age groups and in women and men equally in case of specific risk factors (diet, lifestyle, hereditary predisposition, particular diseases and medication) being present.
Osteoporosis, through an increased bone resorption and/or reduced bone formation, leads to bone loss, structural changes of the bone and therefore reduced bone strength.
The consequences are bone fractures that could have been prevented by a timely detection and treatment of the osteoporosis. Fractures of the vertebral body, femoral neck fractures and hip fractures are particularly severe, as they are not only causing pain, but often cause substantial limitations in everyday life or even the need for care.
Risk factors for osteoporosis and bone fractures
II Age and gender
II Hereditary predispositions (osteoporosis occurring in the family)
II Diet and lifestyle (lack of exercise, underweight, deficiency of calcium or vitamin D, smoking, drinking etcetera)
II Other specific diseases (rheumatic diseases, diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, chronic inflammatory intestinal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease etcetera)
II Intake of bone-damaging medication (cortisone/prednisolone, anti-oestrogens, anti-androgens, proton pump inhibitors, epilepsy medication etcetera)
II Present bone fractures
II Danger of falls
In case of such risk factors, it might be necessary to consider an osteoporosis workup – for early detection and therapy as well as improved prevention.
