Osteoporosis Affects Bone Function

The human skeletal system is made up of 206 bones whose main function is to provide support and structure to the body and protect the vital internal organs. They also help in movement and function. As people age, they start to deteriorate and one of the more common diseases that hits them is osteoporosis, which usually leads to surgery such as artificial hip replacements. Consumer dissatisfaction against DePuy Orthopaedic has stirred several lawsuits, although it doesn’t guarantee future recovery despite Depuy settlements.

Osteoporosis-related conditions are not easily discovered. It would take years and years before it shows symptoms -- until such time when a fracture on the bone happens.

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones loses its density. The bone's strength decreases and becomes fragile, making it harder for it to do its role in the body.

Bones are made up of protein, collagen and calcium—all the components that make a bone strong. They are naturally strong as they carry the body's weight or even trauma from injuries. But once osteoporosis hits, they are weakened and will be fractured even at the slightest provocation.

In layman's term, the bone, which is supposed to be strong, becomes porous, just like a sponge.

Bone mass, also known as bone density, starts to lower down when a person is around 35 years old. This is also more common in women, especially those who are in their menopausal stage.

Even if it does not show any early signs, there are measures to know whether one has osteoporosis. A routine x-ray will show that one has it because the bones will appear thinner and lighter. This, however, is not very accurate. It may be able to detect osteoporosis when the bone has already deteriorated.

The more precise way, which doctors highly recommend, is the so-called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, which is otherwise known as DXA. It measures bone density in the hip, spine and forearm in less than 20 minutes. Doctors also recommend that women, who are in their post-menstrual phrase should get tested for osteoporosis, especially those who are 65 years old as they stand to have a higher risk of getting osteoporosis. On the other hand, to know more about issues concerning DePuy, one may visit The DePuy Recall News Center for more information.

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medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/article.htm#what_is_osteoporosis

livestrong.com/article/80192-bones-important-body/

albertaboneandjoint.com/health_osteo.asp

medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2501

medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/article.htm#what_is_osteoporosis

medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/page5.htm#how_is_osteoporosis_diagnosed

medicinenet.com/osteoporosis/page6.htm

Correcting Vision Problems Reduces Risk for Fall-Related Fractures

Visual impairments, especially among the elderly, have been significantly linked to fall-related fractures and injuries, medical experts say, stressing the importance of early correction of vision problems. Recently, a study which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association states that cataract surgery reduces the propensity of hip fractures. More than a million elderly persons diagnosed with cataract were involved in this retrospective study which has revealed a lesser likelihood of hip fractures for those who received the cataract surgery.

A cataract is the gradual loss of transparency of the lens of the eye which often affects the central part of the lens causing blurry or impaired vision. Most of the time, this is developed through ageing and in chronic conditions like diabetes. Early symptoms of cataract include a progressive decrease in vision clarity (which is not corrected by using eyeglasses), diminished night vision, weak color vision, problems with glaring lights, and an improvement in nearsightedness. Seeking medical help immediately ensures better chances for an early and more effective treatment. In most cases, a cataract surgery may be necessary.

According to ophthalmology experts, it is difficult to determine the development of cataract, but there are known factors that may be limited to reduce its risk. Avoiding too much exposure to ultraviolet light, managing diabetes symptoms, weight management, and limiting or avoiding smoking habits may help lessen the possibility of cataract as one reaches old age.

For those who are already diagnosed with cataract, going through surgery may do more than improve eyesight. According to the study, cataract surgery reduces hip fracture risk by 16 percent. Doctors have explained that better vision aids with better balance, coordination, and ambulation. With this, falls are also minimized.

Falls contribute to majority of hip fractures in the elderly. Because most of the older adults have weak bones, pelvic muscles, and cartilage, the risk for osteoporosis and arthritis is also heightened, thereby increasing the possibility of fractures even in low-impact falls. With this, medical staffs are increasing fall precautions among the elderly, especially those who have visual limitations.

If you are caring for an elderly person at home who you think might be having vision problems, it may be best if you take him or her to a clinic for a more thorough assessment. Poor eyesight may compromise the health and general safety of your loved ones. By having their eyesight examined, you may just be helping them avoid physically limiting conditions such as hip fractures.

References:

jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1273017

medicinenet.com/cataracts/article.htm

health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/07/31/cataract-surgery-may-cut-risk-of-hip-fracture