Osteoporosis is an orthopedic disorder of the bones that leads to an increased risk of them being fragile and leading to fractures. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density (BMD) index is reduced significantly. Bones become weak and their microarchitecture deteriorates gradually. Very often the amount and variety of composition of proteins in bone is altered. Such patient often go on to require a knee replacement surgery in old age.
The three main processes by which osteoporosis progresses are an insufficient peak bone mass i.e, the skeleton develops insufficient mass and strength during growth, increased bone resorption and inadequate formation of new bones during remodeling.
Osteoporosis itself has no exact symptoms. Its main repercussion is the increased risk of bone fractures
The diagnosis of medical condition of osteoporosis in a patient can be made using the tools of conventional radiography and by the processes of measuring the bone mineral density (BMD)
Certain medications have been found to be associated with an increase in the risk of osteoporosis. Earlier steroids and anticonvulsants were classically thought to have been associated with osteoporosis. However, evidence is emerging with regard to link with other drugs.
* Barbiturates, phenytoin and some other enzyme-inducing antiepileptics are also likely culprits. These drugs most likely accelerate the metabolism of vitamin D.
* Steroid-induced osteoporosis (SIOP) has been found to be associated with use of glucocorticoids - analogous to Cushing's syndrome and involving mainly the axial skeleton. The synthetic drug glucocorticoid prescription prednisone is a main candidate after prolonged intake. These drugs could worsen existing conditions and this would push the patient towards orthopaedic surgery and other treatment.
