Osteoporosis is, first and foremost, a preventible disease. With adequate nutrition, calcium and Vitamin D intake, and careful peri and post-menopausal managment it should be possible to drastically reduce the current rate of occurrence of debilitating osteoporotic fractures. The advent of new technology in the field of bone densitometry makes it possible to accurately and precisely predict those patients who will benefit from medical intervention. Major third party insurers are beginning, albeit slowly, to realise the benefit of preventitive measures, and are starting to re-imburse for bone densitometry.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include family history of the disease, inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake, hyperthyroidism, and treatment with steroids. Other risk factors have also been identified, such as excessive alcohol and tobacco usage, and premature greying of the hair.
The purpose of this page is to attempt to disseminate information on all aspects of osteoporosis, including diagnosis, treatment and ongoing research into the field. I am employed at Boston University Medical Center and am involved in the operation of the bone densitometry facility both there, and at Boston City Hospital. Any questions you have can be sent to the email address below.
Some links to osteoporosis information available on the web.
OSTEOPOROSIS From the NIH.
The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
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