Osteoporosis (cont.)
Medical Author:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
OutlookWith adequate treatment, the progression of osteoporosis can be slowed, stopped, or reversed. Nevertheless, some people become severely disabled as a result of weakened bones. About 26% of patients will fracture their hip, pelvis, vertebrae, wrist, humerus, or leg in the year following an osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Hip fractures are a frequent fracture and leave about half of those who break a hip unable to walk independently. Women who have a hip fracture are at fourfold greater risk for a second hip fracture. There is a 20% overall increase in mortality (death rate) in the year after a hip fracture. By age 80 years, 15% of women and 5% of men have hip fractures. Thus, osteoporosis is a serious disease that requires better efforts at prevention, detection, and treatment. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Osteoporosis
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsOsteoporosis - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:The symptoms of osteoporosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease? Osteoporosis - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe how you're treating your osteoporosis. |
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Osteoporosis »
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and deterioration of bony microarchitecture.
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