Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality (mass) of bone are reduced, leading to weakening of the bone and increasing likelihood of fracture. 1 in 3 women and 1in 5 men will develop the disease. The most common fracture sites for this disease is the hips, spine and wrist. Such bone loss does not have any symptoms and thus osteoporosis has been named the “silent disease” and even declared an epidemic by the World Health Organisation. 

Fractures as a result of osteoporosis are of very serious nature due to the common sites as well as the complications that arise as a result. A fracture of the hip or spine often leaves the person with disability or restricted movement and sometimes even death. These types of fractures are often also very expensive to manage and treat. 

The good news is that this disease can be reversed once diagnosed. Diagnosis can only be made by a physician via a bone density test.

Purpose of Early Evaluation

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by “systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass, micro architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures.”

Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bones'. The clinical consequences of osteoporosis are increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. The goal of early intervention is to prevent bone loss, maintain normal bone quality and quantity, and reduce future fracture risk in those who have never had an osteoporosis related fracture and arrest further deterioration in those already found to be at increased risk.