Prognosis Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density which causes the bones to become fragile and prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is sometimes referred to as a silent disease because a person may be afflicted with it for many years without any symptoms. Many do not become aware of their condition until they suffer a painful fracture. Minor fractures may have already occurred without any pain so they went undetected. There is no cure for osteoporosis. It is very difficult to completely rebuild bone that has been damaged by the disease. It is extremely difficult to completely rebuild bone that has been weakened by osteoporosis. However, with early detection and effective treatment, the progression of the disease can be slowed and chances of future fracture greatly reduced. Treatments have proven to increase the strength and density of the bone. This is why early detection and timely treatment is extremely important.

The prognosis for someone living with osteoporosis is good. The progression of osteoporosis may lead to pain, decreased quality of life due to limited mobility, and loss of independence. It is often said that people don't die from osteoporosis they die with it.

The greatest and most obvious health concern as an outcome are fractures. The most typical fractures are of the spine, wrist and hip. Osteoporosis is usually not painful until the bone actually breaks. A hip or wrist fracture is always painful but most spinal fractures occur without any pain. Spinal fractures can cause height loss, curvature of the spine, disfiguring posture, and muscle aching. Painful compression fractures may occur but the pain does not usually last for more than a few months.

Hip fractures usually require lengthy hospital stays, often followed by permanent disability and dependence. After a hip fracture, some patients will not be able to walk and may have to go to an assisted living. Other patients will eventually walk again, but they will need rehabilitation and physical therapy for a period of time. There is some risk of death as complications from hip fracture may arise. The one-year mortality following a hip fracture is 12 to 24% from problems such as bleeding, infection, and blood clots. Vertebral fractures can lead to disfigurement, chronic back pain, and loss of function.

Quality of life may be diminished not only from resulting injury, but the fear of breaking a bone. Especially with age, frailty is commonly associated with osteoporosis. This may affect daily activities, state of mind or alter ones usual social roles in work, family, and pleasure. Other outcomes shown to be associated with osteoporosis, including cognitive decline, depression, poor perceived health, and less social support depend on many factors including age, ethnicity, education, physical activity, financial strain, and the presence other chronic medical conditions. Many of these outcomes can usually be avoided or halted by following a treatment plan that includes a proper diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and if medication is needed following the dosing instructions and taking the medicine on time.

Recommended Reading

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