OSTEOPOROSIS DAY OCTOBER-20

                                                    OSTEOPOROSIS

     THE ASSOCIATION OF SPINE SURGEONS OF INDIA (ASSI) HAVE STRESSED THE NEED FOR EARLY DETECTION AND TIMELY TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROSIS, THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF WHICH IS EMERGING AS A MAJOR CAUSE OF CONCERN IN THE COUNTRY.

   About 20 percent of Women and about 10 to 15 percent of men  above the age of 50 years in India were osteoporotic. yet,the condition continued to be under-diagnosed and inadequately managed. ASSI pointed out on the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day on October20

 ASSI had been trying to create awarness about this condition among the general public as  osteoporosis is the leading cause of fractures of the spine, hip,and the Wrist among the elderly. Women were four times more susceptible to this condition then men

  An  estimated nine million new osteoportioc fractures occured every year, including 1.4 million vertebral fractures. Apart from pain and immobility, these fractures had other long term consequences including functional and psychosocial impairments, poor pulmonary function, and risk of further fractures.  Recent studies had indicated that 32 percent if hip fractures in the elderly were due to osteoporosis. Bone mineral density test could detect early osteoporosis, help predict chances of fracture, and determine rate of bone loss. Doctors recommened that any individual with recent fractures, all post men over 50 years should undergo this test.

 Doctors said that the lower age at which the peak incidence of osteporosis is occuring in India was also a matter of concern. In Western nationas, the peak incidence of osteoporosis was at 70-80 years of age, while in India, this was significantly lower at 50 to 60 years of age.

  Doctors pointed out that there was  no complete cure for osteoporosis and that it was difficult to rebuild weakened bones. Hence ,the accent should be on prevention. Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet with adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake, exercise, and staying away from tobacco and limiting alchol consumption could help prevent osteoporosis, doctors said. According to Cherian Thomas,eminent Orthpadician, stocking up on calcium sores in the younger age can give significanat results in preventing osteoporosos later in life.

                                                               Prof. John Kurakar