AOS Medical Center

PATIENT EDUCATION: OSTEOPOROSIS & BONE STRENGTH

"By 2020, one in two Americans will be at risk of osteoporotic fracture"
Surgeon General Report, October, 2004

Osteoporosis, i.e. weakened bones affects millions of United States adults. Many are unaware and are at risk for fractures. After age 65 years old, approximately one third of all U.S. women will have osteoporosis. Men are also at risk after age 50 years old due to increasing bone loss. This is concerning due to the direct correlation between bone weakness/loss and fracture incidence.

There are many factors that play a role in bone health and osteoporosis. Normal bone is strong and resists fracture. Weakened or osteoporotic bone is susceptible to injury and fracture. Having any one of the risk factors below can increase a person’s risk of bone injury. It is recommended that individuals with increased risk obtain a DEXA Bone Mineral Density exam. If it is determined that your bones are weakened, then certain changes to diet, activity or medicines can be recommended by your physician.

At AOS Medical Center, we have a DEXA Bone Mineral Density machine that will accurately predict fracture risk by examining the bone density of the hips and spine. If you would like to schedule a test or have more questions, please speak with a staff member.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:

Post-menopausal women and those over age 65 years
Asian, Native American, Caucasian women
Men over the age of 50 years or with hormonal dysfunction
Poor diet (low in calcium)
Lack of exercise (less than 1 hour per week)
History of fractures (i.e. broken bones)
Family history of osteoporosis
Alcohol and tobacco use
Certain medications and steroid treatment
Being underweight (less than 127 lbs)

If you have any of the risk factors above, a bone mineral density exam is recommended.

Please ask us about bone density testing. If you are interested in testing please complete the bone density health history form entitled “How Dense Are You?, click here.

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