Osteoporosis means "soft or brittle" bones (Osteo= bone and porous=soft). There are 2 varieties of osteoporosis. Senile osteoporosis is the variety in which men and women above the age of 65 get affected and the bones become brittle and break i.e. fracture. The second variety exclusively affects.

Women after menopause and is typically seen in women after the age of 45 years. Osteoporosis does not show any signs or symptoms and hence is known as "the silent killer".

Morbidity associated with a hip or spine fracture can well be imagined, but the more frightening aspect is the mortality. 20% of all hip fracture patients die within the first year!

Photograph showing normal bone architecture under the microscope	And this is how an osteoporotic bone looks

Preventing osteoporosis is therefore very important. Since it is a silent disease and shows no external signs it is recommended that all women should get a DEXA or BMD (Bone Mineral Density) test done when they reach 45. This test requires no special preparation and is safer than a routine X-ray! It takes about 5 minutes to complete and all major hospitals are able to offer this test to you.

DEXA test being done

So ladies please go ahead and get your DEXA done and then see your orthopaedic surgeon who will assist you in prescribing the right dose of calcium and other drugs as required. Remember diet and exercises play an important role in prevention of osteoporosis.

X-ray which shows a typical osteoporotic fracture of the spine