A better prognosis for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is one of those conditions people used to accept as a part of aging—but no more. Osteoporosis, which literally means “porous bones,” is a debilitating condition marked by a weakening and loss of bone mass. It has no cure, but it can be prevented—or treated if you have it already.

Everyone loses some bone mass as they age, but people with osteoporosis lose as much as 25 percent of theirs, making them susceptible to broken bones from accidents.

“Bones become thin and brittle because more bone is lost than is formed,” explains Nanette James-Patrick, M.D., an obstetrician/gynecologist at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest.

“Osteoporosis has few symptoms, though some people may experience back pain or tenderness, a loss of height or a slight curving of the spine,” says Dr. James-Patrick. “Generally, symptoms don’t occur until a lot of bone is lost.”

The most common form of the disease, estrogen-deficient osteoporosis, affects only women and develops 10 to 15 years after menopause. Without estrogen, women’s bodies are less able to absorb calcium, which is used by the body to form bone mass.

If your doctor thinks you may have osteoporosis, he or she may recommend a DEXA bone density scan and medication to treat the disease. DEXA, which stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, is the most widely used method of measuring bone mineral density. For this painless, noninvasive test, the patient lies down fully clothed on a padded examining table. Then an X-ray source directs two different levels of energy at the body—two levels because bone and soft tissue absorb radiation differently.

“A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density directly at the sites where osteoporotic fractures usually occur: the spine and the hip,” says Anne Philbrick, M.D., a diagnostic radiologist at South Suburban Hospital. “The test can show if osteoporosis is present, or if it’s likely if preventive measures are not taken.” The radiation involved, says Dr. Philbrick, is less than one absorbs in one airplane flight.

If you are at risk for losing bone mass, you may be eligible for a Medicare-paid DEXA scan. To find out, call your physician’s office. If you need a doctor, call 1.800.3.ADVOCATE (1.800.323.8622).