WEAKENED BONES WITH INCREASED FRACTURE RISK

Osteoporosis

Q: Who should have a bone density scan?

Bone density scans are recommended for postmenopausal women aged 65 and above (or younger with risk factors), men aged 70 and above (or younger with risk factors), patients on long-term steroid therapy, those with previous fragility fractures, and those with conditions affecting bone health.

Q: How can I prevent falls?

Fall prevention includes regular vision and hearing checks, removing tripping hazards at home, good lighting, non-slip mats in bathrooms, appropriate footwear, balance and strengthening exercises, review of medications that cause dizziness, and using mobility aids when needed.

Q: Can osteoporosis be reversed?

Bone density can be improved with structured treatment, and the risk of fractures significantly reduced. Complete reversal to normal bone density may not always be possible, particularly in advanced osteoporosis, but treatment is highly effective in preventing fractures.

A condition in which bones become weak and fragile, significantly increasing the risk of fractures, particularly of the spine, hip and wrist. Manageable with structured care including bone-protective therapy.

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Osteoporosis bone density evaluation in Hyderabad

Common PARTICULARLY IN OLDER WOMEN

Silent UNTIL FRACTURE

Preventable FRACTURES CAN BE REDUCED

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and fragile due to reduced bone density and changes in bone structure, significantly increasing the risk of fractures even with minor trauma. It is particularly common in older adults, especially women after menopause, but can affect men and younger people with risk factors. Osteoporosis is typically silent — meaning it causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs. The most common fractures are of the spine (often causing height loss, back pain and stooped posture), hip (typically after falls) and wrist. Risk factors include older age, female gender (especially postmenopausal), small body frame, family history, low calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking, excessive alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, certain medications (particularly long-term steroid therapy) and various medical conditions. Diagnosis is made with a bone density scan (DEXA). Treatment includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention, lifestyle modification and bone-protective medical therapy in patients at high risk. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive osteoporosis care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Often no symptoms until fracture occurs Sudden back pain from spinal fractures Gradual loss of height over time Stooped posture Hip fracture after minor fall Wrist fracture after fall on outstretched hand Severe pain and disability from major fractures

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Older age — major risk factor
Female gender, particularly after menopause
Low calcium and vitamin D intake
Family history of osteoporosis
Smoking and excessive alcohol intake
Sedentary lifestyle and low body weight
Long-term steroid therapy and certain medical conditions

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Bone density scan (DEXA), blood tests for calcium, vitamin D and bone markers

Severity

Osteopenia · Osteoporosis · Severe osteoporosis

Treatment

Calcium and vitamin D, exercise, fall prevention and bone-protective therapy

Common fractures

Spine, hip and wrist

Prevention

Lifestyle measures starting in younger years

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Comprehensive Bone Protection Programme

The most effective approach combines adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing and strengthening exercise, fall prevention, lifestyle modification including smoking cessation and alcohol moderation, and bone-protective medical therapy in patients at high fracture risk.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Pravallika reviews risk factors, examines the patient, and arranges bone density scan and blood tests including calcium, vitamin D and bone markers.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created based on bone density, fracture risk and risk factors.
3

Medical Management

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, exercise prescription, fall prevention strategies, lifestyle modification and bone-protective medical therapy in patients at high risk.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Regular follow-up with periodic bone density scans, monitoring of treatment response and assessment of fracture risk.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation

Adequate calcium (typically 1000–1200 mg daily) and vitamin D supplementation are foundational for bone health in patients with osteoporosis.

Weight-Bearing and Strengthening Exercise

Regular weight-bearing exercise (walking, dancing) and strengthening exercise stimulates bone and muscle, improving bone density and reducing fall risk.

Fall Prevention

Home safety assessment, vision and hearing checks, appropriate footwear, balance exercises and review of medications that cause dizziness significantly reduce fall risk.

Lifestyle Modification

Stopping smoking, moderating alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring adequate protein intake all support bone health.

Bone-Protective Medical Therapy in High-Risk Patients

Specific bone-protective medical therapy significantly reduces fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis or high fracture risk based on bone density and risk factors.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should have a bone density scan?+

How can I prevent falls?+

Can osteoporosis be reversed?+

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