Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2004

Flashcards created from lecture notes on Bone Health and Osteoporosis to aid in exam preparation.

Osteoporosis

A skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

Peak bone mass

The maximum amount of bone a person can achieve, typically reached in their twenties.

Involutional osteoporosis Type I

Menopause-related bone loss occurring in women, characterized by a high turnover of bone.

Involutional osteoporosis Type II

Bone loss that occurs in men and women aged over 70, affecting both cortical and trabecular bone.

Primary osteoporosis

A form of osteoporosis that is non-reversible without intervention.

Secondary osteoporosis

Osteoporosis that is partially reversible and caused by other medical conditions.

BMD

Bone Mineral Density, a measurement used to diagnose osteoporosis.

DXA scan

A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan; the gold standard for measuring BMD.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, such as age, gender, and hormone levels.

WHO Classification

The World Health Organization categorization of bone density levels, determining normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic conditions.

Rate of bone loss

The speed at which an individual loses bone density, particularly evident during menopause.

Trabecular bone

The spongy bone found in the interior of bones, more susceptible to osteoporosis.

Cortical bone

The dense outer surface of bone that forms the outer shell of most bones.

Health impacts of hip fractures

Significant impairments in mobility, leading to dependence or increased mortality.

BMD testing recommendations

Guidelines advising when individuals should undergo BMD testing based on age and risk factors.

Estrogen deficiency

A condition that contributes to osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Nutrients critical for bone health that can help in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Bisphosphonates

A class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis by slowing down bone resorption.

Social effects of osteoporosis

The psychological and social implications stemming from complications such as fractures.

Fracture risk factors

Specific characteristics that increase an individual's chances of sustaining a bone fracture.

Calcium intake recommendations

Suggested daily intake of calcium to maintain bone health, often recommended at 1200 – 1500 mg daily.

Vitamin D supplementation

Recommendations for daily vitamin D intake to support calcium absorption and bone health.

Weight-bearing exercise

Exercises that force the body to work against gravity, crucial for maintaining bone density.

PTH therapy

Parathyroid hormone treatment aimed at increasing bone density in people with osteoporosis.

Spinal deformity

A change in the normal shape of the spine often resulting from osteoporosis.

Environmental hazards

External risk factors like slippery floors that can increase the chances of falls and fractures.

Nutrition's role in osteoporosis

The importance of a balanced diet in preventing bone health deterioration.

Height loss due to osteoporosis

A common symptom of osteoporosis, often indicating vertebral fractures.

Acute back pain

A sudden onset of discomfort in the back due to skeletal issues, possibly related to fractures.

Fracture types in osteoporosis

Common fractures associated with osteoporosis include crush fractures, vertebral fractures, and hip fractures.

BMD loss during menopause

A significant decrease in bone density experienced by women during the menopausal transition.

Bone remodeling

The process where bone tissue is continuously renewed by the formation of new bone and resorption.

Exercise and osteoporosis

The positive relationship between physical activity and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Bone health strategies

Approaches to improve and maintain bone density, including lifestyle changes and medications.

Therapeutic options for osteoporosis

Various treatment methods available for managing osteoporosis, including hormone therapy and supplements.

Fracture threshold

The level of bone density at which fractures become more likely.

Post-menopausal bone loss

The accelerated loss of bone density in women following menopause due to hormonal changes.

Caloric intake and bone health

The relationship between overall nutrition, caloric intake, and the maintenance of bone density.

Anorexia nervosa

An eating disorder that can lead to significant bone density loss and osteoporosis.

Cognitive decline

Mental impairments that can affect balance and increase fracture risk in older adults.

Assessing bone health

The importance of regular evaluations of bone health through imaging and laboratory tests.

Calcium-rich foods

Foods high in calcium that contribute to bone health, such as dairy products and leafy greens.

Bone density changes with aging

The natural decrease in bone mass and density as individuals age, especially in the elderly.

Osteoporosis prevalence

The widespread nature of osteoporosis affecting millions, particularly among older adults.

Targeted exercise interventions

Specific physical activities designed to improve bone density and reduce fracture risk.

Hormonal influences on bone density

The role of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone in maintaining bone health.

BMD decline after peak mass

The continued decrease in bone density following the achievement of peak bone mass.

Lumbar spine assessments

Evaluating bone density in the lumbar region, often affected by osteoporosis.