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Osteoporosis

Low Bone Mass and Microarchitectural Deterioration — Prevention and Treatment

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density (DXA T-score ≤ −2.5) and deterioration of bone microarchitecture causing increased fracture risk.

Common sites of fragility fracture include hip, vertebrae, distal radius, and proximal humerus.

Postmenopausal estrogen decline and aging are the most common causes; secondary causes include glucocorticoids, hypogonadism, hyperparathyroidism, and malabsorption.

FRAX tool integrates clinical risk factors with or without BMD to estimate 10-year major osteoporotic and hip fracture probabilities.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs
Low-trauma fracture (fall from standing height) of hip, wrist, or vertebra
Loss of height (>4 cm) from vertebral compression fractures
Kyphosis (dowager's hump) and back pain
Reduced mobility, fear of falling, and loss of independence
Dental changes (tooth loss, alveolar bone loss)

Risk Factors

Age ≥65 (women) or ≥70 (men), postmenopausal status, prior fragility fracture
Low body weight (BMI <20), parental hip fracture history
Smoking, alcohol ≥3 units/day, chronic glucocorticoid use
Secondary causes: hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, celiac, hypogonadism, CKD
Medications: aromatase inhibitors, androgen deprivation, anticonvulsants, PPIs, SSRIs
Immobility, malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency, low dietary calcium

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Low-trauma fracture in an adult over 50
  • Measured height loss, kyphosis, or persistent back pain in older patients
  • DXA T-score ≤ −2.5 or high FRAX score warranting intervention

Treatment Methods

01
Optimize calcium (1000–1200 mg/day) and vitamin D (800–1000 IU/day with 25-OH target >30 ng/mL)
02
Weight-bearing and resistance exercise; fall prevention and home safety evaluation
03
Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, zoledronate) as first-line antiresorptive
04
Denosumab for high fracture risk or bisphosphonate intolerance; avoid abrupt discontinuation
05
Anabolic agents (teriparatide, abaloparatide, romosozumab) for severe osteoporosis or failure of antiresorptive therapy
06
Monitor with DXA every 2 years and treat secondary causes; smoking cessation and alcohol moderation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Bone Fractures

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A fracture is partial or complete disruption of the integrity of bone tissue due to an external force or bone disease, and it can occur at any age.

Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture)

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Hip Fracture

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.