Osteoporosis

Alternative Names

Symptoms

There are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Symptoms occurring late in the disease include:

• Bone pain or tenderness
• Fractures of the wrists or hips (usually the first sign)
• Loss of height over time
• Low back pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
• Neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
• Stooped posture

Exams and Tests

Bone mineral density testing (specifically a densitometry or DEXA scan) measures how much bone you have. This test has become the gold standard for osteoporosis evaluation. For specific information on such testing, see bone density test.

A spine CT can show loss of bone mineral density. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can evaluate bone density, but is not as available and is more expensive than a DEXA scan.

In severe cases, a spine or hip x-ray may show fracture or collapse of the spinal bones. However, Simple x-rays of bones are not very accurate in predicting who is more likely to have osteoporosis.

A urinary calcium test can provide some evidence of increased bone turnover, but is of limited value. A number of newer tests to evaluate bone turnover are becoming available. Ask your health care provider which test is best for you.

References

Cranney A, Papaioannou A, Zytaruk N, et al. Clinical Guidelines Committee of Osteoporosis Canada. Parathyroid hormone for the treatment of osteoporosis: a systematic review. CMAJ. 2006 Jul 4;175(1):52-9.

Gass M, Dawson-Hughes B. Preventing osteoporosis-related fractures: an overview. Am J Med. 2006 Apr;119(4 Suppl 1):S3-S11. Review.

Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: 2006 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2006 May-Jun;13(3):340-67.

Poole KE, Compston JE. Osteoporosis and its management.BMJ. 2006 Dec 16;333(7581):1251-6. Review.