A common disorder of bone tissue metabolism. This term is understood as a group of pathological conditions characterized by a decrease in the volume of bone tissue while maintaining its structure. In the vast majority of patients, the development of osteoporosis is associated with the natural aging process (idiopathic osteoporosis). It is this form of the disease that is often observed in women after the onset of menopause, as well as in older men. Osteoporosis can be caused by other factors, for example, taking high doses of steroids with alcoholism, diabetes, hyperthyroidism.
Loss of bone mass
Idiopathic osteoporosis is accompanied by loss of 3-10% of bone volume per year, and this process is faster in women than in men. The rate of progression of the disease can also be affected by factors such as genetic predisposition, total skeleton mass, physical activity, the nature of the nutrition level of hormones (especially estrogen). Osteoporosis is a very common problem and can not be treated well, therefore it is extremely important to detect it early by screening. Osteoporosis is accompanied by an increased risk of bone fractures, even with minor injuries-for example, a normal fall can result in a fracture of the hip. This, in turn, leads to a pronounced pain syndrome, a number of irreversible changes in the body of the victim, as well as a significant increase in health care costs. Therefore, the detection of osteoporosis at an early stage is an extremely important task. Timely medical intervention allows you to suspend or slow down the loss of bone tissue. Health and strength of the skeleton depends on the balance of growth and bone remodeling. Bone tissue contains a significant amount of calcium. It is his level that serves as an indicator for the estimation of bone mineral density (BMD).
Bone composition
Normally, the bones of the skeleton consist of cortical (dense) (80%) and spongy (spongy) (20%) layers. In the bones of the spine this ratio is respectively 34% and 66%. Since the renewal of the spongy bone layer occurs 8 times faster than the cortical, the spine is a vulnerable area, by the state of which it is possible to judge the density of bone tissue.
"Fish" vertebrae
The disappearance of horizontal trabeculae. The remaining vertical trabeculae cause a pronounced vertical striation of vertebral bodies. The loss of trabeculae also leads to a sharp accentuation of the contours of the cortical layer on the roentgenogram, which creates a characteristic frame around the vertebral bodies. Computer tomography of the lumbar spine for the determination of MKT in the spongy layer of the vertebrae can be used computed tomography. This method makes it possible to exclude from the study a dense bony vertebra, formed by the formation of osteophytes with arthrosis I in the process of natural aging. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DRL) is the most common method of determination. Although there is no national osteoporosis screening program, such a study is recommended for patients with a family history, insufficient nutrition or abnormalities in the review radiograph. DRA is easily tolerated by patients. During the study, the patient lies quietly on the couch for about half an hour. Extremely low doses of X-rays are used. Measurement of bone density is based on determining the difference in the rate of absorption of two X-ray beams. To obtain a quantitative value of BMD, the results of DRL are translated into a numerical form. Then the indicators are compared with the normal range for a given age category and ethnic group. Such information, presented in graphical form, can then be used for annual monitoring of the dynamics of bone loss. Now we know how osteoporosis is treated in the early stages.