Chronic Disease: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps (nof.org). This skeletal disease is characterized by the increase in the fragility of bones as a result of reduced bone mass density and the deformation of the structure of bone tissue (Angin,Erden,Can, 849). Many patients with osteoporosis are instructed by their doctor to exercise; as this will improve their rehabilitation of this disease and lessen the pain associated with it.

As generally stated in the introduction, osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that involves the strength and integrity of one’s bones. The WHO defines osteoporosis as, “a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low-bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue, increased bone fragility, and its susceptibly to recurrent fractures.” 2 The most important factor to take into account when addressing osteoporosis is the mass of bone, also referred to as, bone mineral density (BMD). As bone mass begins to decline, typically in the older population, specifically postmenopausal women, individuals are at an increased risk for fractures.3 As a result of this serious condition, many people are affected by morbidity, mortality, and economic difficulty.1

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease of the bones generally brought on by the process of aging, unfortunately there can also be a number of underlying or secondary causes; however, preventative care and drug treatments can minimize the severity of this prevalent disease. Osteoporosis has been estimated to affect more than 200 million people worldwide (Bethel, 2015). According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 9.9 million Americans have osteoporosis and an additional 43.1 million have low bone density.

Osteoporosis is an age related disorder, more common in females compared to males. Osteoporosis is defined as a “skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to increased risk of fractures (Manolagaas, 2014). Osteoporosis is defined as “a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue (What is osteoporosis?2014). Osteoporosis is sometimes also referred as “silent thief” as the bone loss occurs very slowly and silently without any symptoms (Osteoporosis facts & statistics.2014). The most common site for fracture due to osteoporosis is hip followed by humerus (Woltman & den Hoed, 2010) . Osteoporosis can occur at any age, although it is a disorder common in females (especially post-menopausal females). Everyone is prone to osteoporosis (Osteoporosis facts & statistics.2014). According to Osteoporosis Canada, 1 in 3 Canadian females and 1 in 5 Canadian males may suffer fractures due to osteoporosis during their lifetime (Osteoporosis facts & statistics.2014). Canadian health care system spends 1.2 billion dollars for the acute hospitalization caused by osteoporosis and in 2010 the health care system spent 3.9 billion dollars for the total treatment of osteoporosis (Osteoporosis facts & statistics.2014). Osteoporosis can be screened and diagnosed by various methods; however the dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA) is commonly used. If the T-score values are less than -1 and greater than -2.5SD it is termed as osteopenia,

“Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds” (Johnell, 2006 ). Making Osteoporosis a severe musculoskeletal disease. We will cover any the expected findings, signs and symptoms that you will find upon your assessment. It will also cover the routes of treatments, medications and preventive measures to emphasize to your client and the results and complications that can arise if these rules cannot be met. It will conclude with detailed nursing interventions as well as risks and what to express to your client upon discharge.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, “About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.” The bone disorder may be common, but there are many risk factors for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis usually happens with elders, especially in postmenopausal women. According to Human Anatomy and

Osteoporosis is translated from the Greek and literally means “porous bone “ .It is the most common chronic, metabolic bone disease in the U.S.A, resulting in osteopenia and fractures in spine , hip and wrist. In addition osteoporosis is progressive, and the skeletal fragility often leads to disabling fractures (hip fractures) and even death. Primary osteoporosis is a result of aging, whereas secondary osteoporosis occurs at any age, is a consequence to certain medication as well as diseases.

Osteoporosis is a secondary aging musculoskeletal disorder that increases bone degeneration and disruption of bone mineral development. A major challenge with treating osteoporosis lies in the difficulty of diagnosing it in the early stages, because no symptoms appear until an actual complication such as a bone fracture occurs. Thus, osteoporosis is known as a “silent disease” (Cosman, 2014). During the childhood years, bones normally grow in size and strength until the person’s peak bone mass has been reached at approximately 20 years old. Around 40 to 50 years old, men and women are affected by age related decline in bone mass (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, n.d.). Women above 40 years old and of Chinese or Caucasian ethnicity are of high risk for developing osteoporosis (Wilbiks lecture, 2014). Other risk contributions to the condition include old age, female gender, small body size, low calcium and vitamin D, decrease of estrogen, lack of exercise and genetics. A slender, thin-boned tall woman is at greater risk for osteoporosis compared to a woman with a proportional amount of fat, bone and height. To prevent the development osteoporosis, people who are at high risk should take preventative measures, and this guide suggests three methods that have been supported by various researchers: 1) Supplementing calcium into diet; 2) Changing lifestyle patterns; and 3) Quitting smoking. All these preventative measures have been shown to

Osteoporosis is a disease condition that is related to the body's bone and reduces its density. International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) states that "Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds" (1). There are two types of osteoporosis primary osteoporosis and secondary osteoporosis. Primary osteoporosis is the most common type of osteoporosis. Furthermore, it is more prevalent in females than males for a lot of reasons. Naturally, females have lower bone density than males who are in the same age (2). Also, females are more likely to lose their bone lump as they age (2). Secondary osteoporosis is caused by medications, hormonal disproportion, or diseases. This essay will present a definition of osteoporosis based on its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density and the decay of bone fibers resulting in weaker bones; making bones deteriorated and vulnerable to fractures (Sharma and Khandelwal., 2010). Osteoporosis is a disease that affects men and women. According to a study half of the women and one-eighth of the men would suffer from bone fractures caused by osteoporosis during their life span (Anders, Tuner, and Freeman, 2013). Osteoporosis turns into a considerable health problem mainly for women after menopausal years; as women aged their Bone Mineral Density (BMD) decreases as the risks of bone fractures increase (Mendoza-Romo et al., 2014). Why are women at risk of developing osteoporosis? Bone health is directly

According to Kohl & Murray (2012), osteoporosis is defined as a musculoskeletal disorder that results in “low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue” due to “low physical activity levels”, which increases the risk of bone fractures (p.118). Low bone mineral density (BMD) causes bones—most commonly in the hip, vertebrae, wrist, and pelvis-- to become fragile, making it easier to break. Discomfort and disability will be added to the body’s ability to function and when performing daily tasks. Among the 52 million Americans who have osteoporosis, an estimation of 2

Osteoporosis is the most common disease of the skeletal system that points out a decreased bone mass and as a result produces an augmented risk of fractures which identify the main cause of clinical disease. Often, it is called the silent disease because bone loss occurs silently, gradually and without symptoms until the first fracture originates. Worldwide, osteoporosis is seen as a global health problem affecting more than 200 million people (International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2014). Specifically, 1 in 3 women over age 50 suffer bone fractures in contrast to 1 in 5 men (International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2014). Of course, the prevalence of broad scope of osteoporosis is higher in women who represent 80%. On the

Diagnostic assessment for osteoporosis includes patient’s history, laboratory tests, and measurements of BMD (Akyol, Alayli, Diren, Cengiz, & Canturk, 2008). Imaging techniques utilized in diagnosing osteoporosis are X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. The two main goals of diagnostic imaging of osteoporosis are identifying the presence of osteoporosis, and quantifying the bone mass using semi-quantitative or quantitative methods (Guglielmi et al., 2011).

Osteoporosis is caused by the reduction of bone density and quality; especially in the case of the spine, hips, and wrists. It is known as the” silent epidemic”, because this disease has so symptoms and is usually not noticed until a bone fracture occurs.

Osteoporosis is the disease process by which bone remodeling is altered. This alteration is when old bone is insufficiently replaced by new bone (Cosman et al, 2014). New bone growth peaks in the early 20’s and after this age bone mass is lost faster than generated. The lack of new bone replaced can lead to fractures and deformed skeletal architecture. This alteration occurs with menopause, increased age, or long term use of corticosteroids (Cosman et al, 2014)