What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and deterioration of bone tissue microstructure, leading to bone weakness and an increased risk of fractures. With age, bone metabolism becomes unbalanced, leading to a loss of bone mass that exceeds the rate of production, ultimately leading to osteoporosis. According to the Hong Kong Health Bureau, about 30% of women over 50 years of age and about 20% of men over 50 years of age suffer from osteoporosis in Hong Kong, which has a high incidence in women and is closely related to low estrogen levels after menopause.

The causes of osteoporosis are complex and include factors that cannot be controlled (such as age, gender, family genetics) or controllable factors (such as diet, exercise habits, etc.). Some of the main risk factors include:

• age: People over 50 are at significantly higher risk.
• gender: Women are at increased risk, especially after menopause.
• Family history: First-degree relatives with a history of osteoporosis or fractures.
• eating habits: Lack of long-term intake of calcium and vitamin D.
• lifestyle: Lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption.

Osteoporosis is usually referred to as a "silent disease" because there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

• Gradually decrease in height (not less than 3 cm).
• The spine is deformed, forming the camel's back.
• Fractures occur in the spine, hip, and wrist, most often with small external forces.

Why do you need to do this?

Early detection of osteoporosis is crucial because interventional treatment in the early stages of bone loss can effectively slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of fractures. According to data from the Hong Kong Hospital Board, the mortality rate of elderly patients with hip fractures reaches 20% in one year, highlighting the importance of prevention.

ofThe primary objectives are:

• early diagnosis: to identify a problem before symptoms or fractures appear.
• Risk Assessment: Predict the likelihood of future fractures based on test results.
• Treatment follow-up: Evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy and adjust treatment plans in a timely manner.

The Hong Kong Health Bureau advises the following groups of people to consider doing it regularlyBone DensitometryHong Kong：

• Women over 65 years of age and men over 70 years of age.
• People over 50 years of age with risk factors for fractures.
• Long-term use of steroids.
• People who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or are undergoing treatment.

Common methods

Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

DEXA is currently the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and measures bone density in the lumbar spine and hip joint. The principle is that it uses X-rays of two different energies to penetrate the bones and calculate bone density based on the difference in absorption. The benefits of DEXA include:

• Very low radiation dose and high accuracy (about 1/10th of chest X-ray).
• The duration of the exam is short (about 10-15 minutes) and does not require special preparation.
• It is highly reproducible and suitable for long-term follow-up.

In Hong Kong, DEXAApproximately HK$800 to HK$1,500 (depending on the medical facility and test location).

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS)

QUS is often used for initial screening and measures the skeletal condition of the heel and fingers. The advantages include:

• It does not contain radiation and is very safe.
• The device is portable and easy to inspect.
• The rate is low at 300-600 Hong Kong dollars.

However, QUS is not as accurate as DEXA and is commonly used for community screening and initial assessments.

Other test methods

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can provide 3D bone density data, but the radiation dose is higher and more expensive (about HK$2,000 to HK$3,000). Peripheral DEXA (pDEXA) is used to measure the wrist or heel and is suitable for patients who are unable to undergo standard DEXA examinations.

How to choose the right osteoporosis test for you?

chooseOsteoporosis testWhen approaching, you need to consider the following factors:

• Age and risk level: High-risk populations should be prioritized over DEXA.
• shape: People with physical disabilities can choose pDEXA or QUS.
• budget: QUS is cheaper and suitable for people on a tight budget.

It is recommended to consult a doctor to choose the most suitable examination method for your individual situation. It is offered in many private hospitals and medical centers in Hong KongBone DensitometryHong KongServices, prices and amenities may vary.

Osteoporosis test results interpretation and follow-up recommendations

The results of the DEXA test will be expressed as T-and Z-values.

Depending on the test results, your doctor may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes: Increase your calcium and vitamin D intake and exercise regularly.
• chemotherapy: Bisphosphonates, estrogen modulators, etc.
• Regular follow-up: It is usually re-examined every 1-2 years.

Osteoporosis prevention and treatment require long-term management and are performed regularlyOsteoporosis testThis is an important way to monitor bone health. Hong Kong offers a variety of screening options, from public hospitals to private clinics.Because of the differences, it's best to make the right choice based on your needs and budget.

Posted by: piness at 10:42 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 850 words, total size 7 kb.