Introduction:
“Skeleton in the closet” meaning that bone is static once formed is a misconception. The skeleton is a metabolically active organ that undergoes continuous remodeling throughout life (Raisz LG, 1998). Bones change with development and aging in terms of structure (Boskey AL, Coleman R, 2010). The adult skeleton is continuously remodeled through life by the co-ordinated activities of osteoclasts and osteoblasts (Almeida M, O’Brien CA, 2013). Osteoclasts derive from the cells of hematopoietic lineage and are responsible for bone resorption, whereas osteoblasts originate from the mesenchymal lineage and are responsible for bone formation. Osteoblast differentiation is regulated by Wnt/β- catenin pathway. Receptor activator of NF-κB…show more content… Both trabecular and cortices are often thinner, the mineral content per area of tissue is often increased, and the mean crystal size, collagen maturity and carbonate contents are increased relative to those of age-matched controls (Boskey AL, Coleman R, 2010). According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, the prevalence of osteoporosis based on reduced hip bone density was estimated at 4% in women 50-59 years of age compared to 44% of women 80 years of age and older (Vondracek SF, Linnebur SA, 2009). It is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide have osteoporosis (Reginster JY, Bulet N,…show more content… Idiopathic osteoporosis in young adults
c. Involutional osteoporosis
i. Type I (Postmenopausal) osteoporosis ii. Type II (Age-related) osteoporosis
2. Secondary osteoporosis (RiggsBL, 1991)
Primary osteoporosis is characterized by absence of systemic diseases. Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosisand Idiopathic osteoporosis in young adults are self-limiting disorders. Postmenopausal osteoporosis affects women within 15-20 years after menopause. Age related osteoporosis occurs in both men and women aged 70 years and above.
Secondary osteoporosis occurs as a result of a number of systemic diseases such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption syndrome, chronic obstructive jaundice, anorexia nervosa, multiple myeloma, osteogenesis imperfect etc, and due to drug intake.
Osteoporosis is frequently asymptomatic and often undetected until a fracture occurs. The common clinical features include back pain, loss of height, spinal deformity, fractures of vertebrae, hips, wrists and other bones. Early diagnosis is very important to prevent pathological fractures which have severe health and economic consequences.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis includes
1. General Medical Examination to assess severity and to exclude secondary
