Private Medical Practise in Portobello, London

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means "porous bones". It is a condition of the skeleton characterised by low bone mass and a change in architecture of the bone.

This renders the bone fragile and increases the risk of low impact fractures, especially in the wrist, spine and hip.

Without the event of a fracture, osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed. Osteoporosis is on the increase in our society, now affecting 1 in 2 post-menopausal women and 1 in 5 men. It has been referred to as the "silent epidemic".

Fractures mean pain and disability, one fracture increase the risk of further fractures. However, there are effective treatments and preventive measures which can be taken.

It is never too late to treat osteoporosis.

What are the main risk factors?

• A low trauma / impact fracture especially of the wrist, spine or hip.
• An early menopause before the age of 45 years – either natural or surgical.
• A strong family history of osteoporosis / broken bones, ie a direct relative affected eg mother or sister.
• A prolonged spell without menstrual periods other than because of pregnancy.
• A prolonged spell of immobility.
• Poor nutrition and inadequate intake of calcium in the diet.
• Loss of height in conjunction with back pain and the development of a stoop.
• Smoking / excess alcohol.
• A slight build.
• Long term corticosteroid use (cortisone/prednisolone).

How The Portobello Clinic’s Osteoporosis Service can help...

• We can provide information on osteoporosis, which includes prevention and treatment measures.
• We offer assessment of risk factors and advice on lifestyle adjustment to reduce risks.
• We offer full diagnostic facilities by recognised DEXA scans to establish whether osteoporosis is present.
• We offer friendly, informal and confidential surroundings to discuss your worries and answer your questions.
• We will liaise with your family doctor as necessary.
• We can provide details of both national and local osteoporosis support groups.