Osteoporosis and Falls
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder defined by decreasing bone strength, predisposing a person to an increased risk of a fracture. However, bone strength is based on two integral features: bone mineral density and bone quality. Bone mineral density is the measure of the minerals within your bones such as calcium. Bone quality refers to the characteristics of bone tissue that contribute to its strength and durability. These characteristics include bone density, structure, turnover and matrix.
Osteoporosis can be Primary or Secondary:
Primary Osteoporosis occurs without any underlying medical condition. Commonly related to age it is characterised by slow loss of bone due to decreasing/imbalance in turnover. Often related to hormonal / post-menopausal changes.
Secondary Osteoporosis occurs due to past medical history, medications or lifestyle factors. Poor nutrition and malabsorption can also contribute.
Osteoporosis is diagnosed based on the World Health Organisations criteria of T-scores based on DEXA scans. DEXA scans are a painless procedure which assess the bone mineral density of your bones.
In Ireland, osteoporosis is found in 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men. 40% of the population will not know they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture and are then subsequently screened for osteoporosis.
But not all patients who sustain a fracture are screened with a DEXA. There are risk factors that will be taken into consideration:
- Over the age of 70
- Any age presenting with a hip fracture
- Prolonged use of certain medications
- Two or more falls in a year
- High levels of alcohol consumption
- A BMI <20
A person with osteoporosis is more likely to fracture a bone. A fracture occurs when a force applied to the bone exceeds the limits, thus osteoporosis reduces the forces required to cause a fracture. Falling is the most common way to suddenly load a bone and cause a fracture.
Some of the most common fractures we see in clinic include:
- Hip fracture
- Wrist fracture
- Spinal or Pelvic fracture
Falls are the leading cause of injury in people over the age of 65. 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will fall every year and 2 thirds will fall again within 6 months. 1 in 2 people over the age 80 will fall yearly.
Exercise and education have been shown to be beneficial in reducing fall related injuries, with a focus on balance and strength exercises. At Somerton Physio we offer the Better Balance Programme to help individuals with balance issues or those who may be at risk of falling.
If you suffer from osteoporosis or have a history of falling you can book in to see one of our experienced physios who will assess you and design a rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs.
You can book an appointment at our Blanchardstown Physiotherapy Clinic, our Castleknock Physiotherapy Clinic or our Old Bawn Physiotherapy clinic through our website www.somertonphysio.ie, email us at i[email protected] or call us on 01 9069566.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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