Translate
Osteoporosis Assessment and Treatment
Osteoporosis Assessment and Treatment provides specialist evaluation of bone density, fracture risk calculation, and evidence-based pharmacological treatment to reduce fragility fracture risk -- protecting patients from the pain, disability, and mortality of osteoporotic hip and spinal fractures.
Overview
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our osteoporosis assessment and treatment services.
Bisphosphonate therapy reduces vertebral fracture risk by 50 to 70% and hip fracture by 40 to 50%
DEXA monitoring every 2 years tracks bone density response to treatment
Treatment of secondary causes can achieve bone density restoration beyond age-related norms
Fall prevention reduces fracture risk independently of bone density improvement
Osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment prevents the cascade of fragility fractures affecting mobility
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our osteoporosis assessment and treatment.
DEXA T-score and FRAX combined provide the most accurate fracture risk assessment
Secondary cause blood screen performed before attributing osteoporosis to age or menopause
Bisphosphonate therapy reduces vertebral fracture risk by 50 to 70%
Vitamin D and calcium assessed and supplemented alongside all pharmacological therapy
Fall risk assessment addresses the environmental component of fracture risk
Preparation Instructions
Take alendronate weekly on an empty stomach with a full glass of water remaining upright for 30 minutes -- never crush or chew. Ensure adequate calcium (1000 to 1200 mg daily) and vitamin D (800 to 1000 IU daily). Exercise with weight-bearing and balance activities regularly to reduce fall risk. Attend DEXA monitoring every 2 years. Contact your rheumatologist immediately for any new back pain suggesting vertebral fracture.
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your osteoporosis assessment and treatment procedure.
DEXA Scan and T-Score Interpretation
DEXA scanning measures bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and hip expressed as a T-score. T-score below -2.5 confirms osteoporosis. T-score -1.0 to -2.5 indicates osteopenia. Combined with clinical risk factors this drives treatment decisions.
FRAX 10-Year Fracture Risk Calculation
FRAX calculates the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures incorporating all clinical risk factors. The FRAX probability against an age-specific intervention threshold determines whether pharmacological treatment is indicated.
Secondary Cause Exclusion
Blood tests exclude secondary causes -- calcium phosphate PTH vitamin D TSH testosterone (men) and myeloma screen. Secondary causes are treated specifically before or alongside bisphosphonate therapy.
Bisphosphonate or Alternative Therapy
Alendronate weekly is first-line. Risedronate or zoledronate are alternatives. Denosumab is used for renal impairment or bisphosphonate intolerance. Teriparatide and romosozumab are reserved for severe osteoporosis.
Calcium and Vitamin D Assessment
Dietary calcium intake is assessed targeting 1000 to 1200 mg daily. Vitamin D 800 to 1000 IU daily is recommended alongside all osteoporosis treatments. 25-OH vitamin D measurement guides supplementation dose.
Fall Risk Assessment
Balance gait speed and fall history are assessed. Referral to falls prevention service or physiotherapy for balance training is arranged -- fall prevention is as important as bone density improvement in fracture risk reduction.
What to Expect
Your specialist reviews DEXA T-scores, calculates FRAX 10-year fracture risk, checks for secondary causes with blood tests including calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D, and prescribes the most appropriate treatment. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is assessed and prescribed where required. Bisphosphonate or alternative therapy is explained with clear administration instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about osteoporosis assessment and treatment.
Related Services
Explore other services in our Rheumatology department.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
Gout and Crystal Arthropathy
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Management
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards better health.
