Osteoporosis and Osteomalacia (GOLD) Flashcards
What is Osteoporosis?
Metabolic disease, leading to depletion of bone mineral density/mass.
Bone resorption > bone formation; Osteoclast activity > Osteoblast activity
Predisposing individuals to fractures.
Are women or men more affected by osteoporosis?
Women. Especially Post-Menopausal Bitches
Where are common sites for fracture in osteoporosis?
- Thoracic and Lumbar spine
- Femoral Neck
- Proximal Humerus & Proximal Tibia
- Pelvis
- Distal Radius/Ulna
What hormone is directly related to the prevalence of osteoporosis.
Post menopausal women, decrease in estrogen production
What is senile osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, secondary to genetics or other acquired abnormalities
What medications can a person with Osteoporosis take?
Calcium
Vitamin D
Estrogen
Calcitonin
Bisphosphonates
What is a good intervention to try with patients with osteoporosis?
Aerobic/endurance conditioning; Aquatic Therapy
What diagnostic tests are utilized for Osteoporosis?
CT scan to assess bone density.
Bone mineral density scan
What is Osteomalacia?
Characterized by the decalcification of bones due to vitamin D deficiency.
- Softness of the bones secondary to calcium or phosphorus deficiency.
What are symptoms of osteomalacia?
Severe pain
Fractures
Weakness
Bowing of Long Bones
Diagnostic tests for osteomalacia?
- bone scan
- lab tests (urinalysis, blood work)
What is a Dowager’s Hump?
Excessive thoracic kyphosis, in Osteoporosis
Why are fractures considered “Silent Fractures” in osteoporosis?
There are typically no signs or symptoms until fracture occurs
What education about activities to avoid should be given in patients with osteoporosis?
Avoid:
- Heavy resistive exercises
- Excessive flexion
- supine curl ups or sit-up should be avoided; flexion exercise
Stress into flexion increases risk of vertebral compression fractures!
T-Scores for Normal Bone?
-1.0 or higher
T-Scores for Osteopenia?
1.0 - 2.4 standard deviations below the mean
T-Scores for Osteoporosis
-2.5 or less
