During each visit, I provide a thorough discussion about causes, course (prevention?) and treatment options. This is in conjunction with a thorough physical examination. Only when a patient correctly understands their situation can they make a reasonable decision about their health.
Dr. med. Nader Tabrizi
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones lose density and strength. This makes them brittle and susceptible to fractures. Normally, the body continuously builds up and breaks down bone mass over the course of a lifetime. It does this to regulate bone mass and maintain bone structure. This so-called bone remodeling allows the body to remove damaged or old bone tissue and replace it with new, healthy tissue.
During the formation process (new bone formation), specialized cells – the so-called osteoblasts – are activated to form new bone tissue and increase bone mass. During the breakdown process (bone resorption), other specialized cells are at work. These so-called osteoclasts break down old or damaged bone tissue and reduce bone mass.
This dynamic process enables the bones to adapt to different loads and conditions while maintaining the structural integrity of the skeleton.
In osteoporosis, bone resorption greatly outweighs bone formation. This leads to a loss of bone mass. Causes include hormonal changes (especially in women after the menopause), malnutrition, insufficient physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These factors can accelerate normal bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
A healthy bone has optimal density and structure, which makes it strong and resistant to stress. A healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, exercise and avoiding harmful habits, supports bone health.
Disruptions to this process – e.g. due to hormonal changes or malnutrition – can lead to an imbalance in which bone resorption outweighs bone growth. The result is a loss of bone mass and density: osteoporosis.
There are three stages that describe the severity and progression of the disease:
Pre-osteoporosis (osteopenia)
In this early stage of bone weakness, bone mineral density is lower than normal. However, it is not sufficient to fulfill the diagnosis of osteoporosis. People with osteopenia have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis in the future. It is an important stage to take preventative measures to slow the progression of the disease. At our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, we will be happy to examine you and advise you on possible preventive measures.
Osteoporosis
At this stage, the bone mass has continued to decrease. As a result, the bones are weak and brittle. The risk of fractures, particularly in the spine, hips and wrists, is increased. This is where appropriate osteoporosis treatment is important, which we offer at our practice in Frankfurt.
Severe osteoporosis
At this advanced stage, bone mass is greatly reduced. The risk of serious bone fractures is high. The impact on health and quality of life can be significant, as fractures can lead to pain, disability and other complications. Here too, we recommend comprehensive treatment in our practice.
There are certain symptoms that can be associated with osteoporosis:
Early detection of this widespread bone metabolism disorder, predominantly with the elderly patient is necessary in order to avoid damage to the skeleton. The bone repair mechanisms are quite slow as we age. Prevention is the prerequisite, but in cases of manifest disease, a rapid and appropriate procedure must be carried out. Regular monitoring of the therapy is also necessary, as is a possible changeover or supplementation.
The most widely used method is the so-called DXA measurement (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) on the lumbar spine (up to age 70), as well as the femoral neck (standard on the left femoral neck and on both femoral necks from the age of 70). A possible deviation from the normal values is determined and an anti-osteoporous therapy is initiated depending on the severity. Examinations take place in cooperation with the “Frankfurter Hormon und Osteoporose Zentrum Goethestr. 23 Prof. Dr. med. Hadji”. In addition to the bone density measurement, it may be necessary to determine some specific blood values to determine the cause of bone mass loss.
Various drugs are available, which can be combined depending on the severity and an individual’s situation. These include, proven bisphosphonates, denosumab, vitamin D, calcium, etc.
The elimination of risk factors and the stimulation of bone formation is as important as drug therapy. This includes: physical exercises, nutritional advice, avoidance strategies, etc.