Every second woman and fourth man above 50 years in India has suffered a fracture due to osteoporosis, a bone disease that causes weakening of bones. Estimates say that around 40 crore Indians would have this disease by 2013. It is also known as a silent disease for it has no detectable symptoms until the damage is done. On the occasion of the World Osteoporosis Day on Thursday, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kiran Shete spoke to DNA on ways to avoid surgery and improve quality of life for patients suffering from the ailment.

Why is osteoporosis called a silent disease?
It is called a silent disease as bone loss occurs with no symptoms until one actually suffers a fracture or pain due to the disease. Osteoporosis is basically a bone disease caused due to weakening or brittle bones that become prone to fractures. It is supposed to happen in old age but these days I have seen patients, especially women in late 30's or 40's, having osteoporosis.

What are the risk factors and how can the disease be avoided?
Women above 50 years who are post menopausal or have had hysterectomy are especially at risk. Many other factors like taking steroids or anti-seizure drugs, smoking, alcohol, family history, very thin people with low body mass index and poor nutrition could lead to brittle bones. Proper nutrition and smoking can be avoided to ensure optimal health while other factors like thyroid problems or menopause cannot be controlled.

When should people consult a doctor?
As a rule, people above 50 years who fall in the category of risk factors should consult a doctor and if one does not have any visible symptoms then go for a check-up once you turn 65 years old. Some visible signs like stooped posture, loss of height, fracture of vertebra, wrist, hip or bone and back pain due to collapsed vertebra are other indicators for consulting a doctor.

Is surgery required to treat osteoporosis?
Surgery is done if the disease has progressed and renders a person immobile due to fracture. However, in my practice, we believe in non-surgical intervention and have observed that 95% to 99% surgeries are avoidable.

What is the treatment for osteoporosis?
The first step is to start calcium and vitamin D supplements. Second is to give appropriate medication depending on the medical condition. Besides medication, we make dietary changes and regulate intake of food items rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Physiotherapy and light exercising at home is incorporated to build bone density.

We also offer fall prevention therapy in which seniors are recommended lifestyle modifications like avoiding wet floors and slippery carpets. We also ask patients to stay away from alcohol and tobacco.