DIAGNOSING OSTEOPOROSIS

Diagnosis of osteoporosis

As already mentioned several times, it is important prophylactic measures of the osteoporosis as early detection of osteoporosis is often difficult. Osteoporosis therefore often goes undetected for a long time and is only diagnosed when the first consequences become apparent as a result of the imbalance between bone formation and breakdown. However, early detection would be important to keep the consequences of this disease as low as possible.

There are different diagnostic methods for osteoporosis. Some procedures are listed below with their advantages and disadvantages, but the list does not claim to be complete.

First of all, it should be mentioned that there are no meaningful biochemical tests that could diagnose osteoporosis. Specific Laboratory values They are usually used for further diagnostics and play a role especially in the area of secondary osteoporosis, as it always occurs as a result of a specific underlying disease.

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X-ray examination

The measurement of the Bone density (= Osteodensitometry) can be used, for example, for further diagnosis of the radiological suspicion of osteoporosis.
This type of examination should be carried out especially in high-risk patients, for example, patients with a family history, late onset of the rule, early onset of menopause, oophorectomy patients, etc. This also includes patients who come to the doctor with specific complaints and for whom there are special risks, for example in the form of inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake. In particular, this also includes patients with (visible) lack of exercise and underweight.

So that Bone density measurement can provide meaningful results and the doctor can diagnose changes in the bone density, an annual check-up is usually necessary.

Appointment with ?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
In our very economic world in particular, there is too little time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You will find me:

Lumedis - orthopedic surgeons
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main

You can make an appointment here.
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
For more information about myself, see Lumedis - Orthopedists.

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The mean bone density values of a healthy 30 - year - old person (= T - value) are used as a yardstick for calculating the ideal value and they are compared with the determined value. The ones listed below Stages serve the Categorizing the severity of osteoporosis.

Staging

Osteopenia (= low bone mass):
Bone mineral content: T-value from -1.0 to - 2.5 standard deviation (SD)
Osteoporosis (without fractures):
Bone mineral content: T value <-2.5 SD
Manifest osteoporosis (with fractures):
Bone mineral content: T-value <-2.5 SD and bone fractures without a triggering event such as Accident or injury

It is worth mentioning that the World Health Organization (WHO) also defines osteoporosis in terms of the standard deviation of bone mass or density.

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Computed Tomography

The Computed Tomography provides results that can be compared with the results of a bone density measurement. The radiation exposure during a computer tomography is, however, somewhat higher.
More information at: Computed Tomography

Ultrasonic measurement

Ultrasound measurement is another way of determining bone density without exposure to radiation. At this point, however, it must be noted that the method of measuring using ultrasound is not yet mature enough to be used routinely. The risk of overlooking an O due to an immature method currently seems too high. It is therefore another way of diagnosing and monitoring the progress. In addition, however, other measurement methods should be used.

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Genetic examination

Scientific studies recently pointed to a genetic defect. This genetic defect is a mutation on the collagen type I alpha 1 gene. Women with such a genetic defect are said to be three times more likely to develop osteoporosis. This genetic defect is associated with the loss of bone mass and the accumulation of bone fractures due to osteoporosis. Such a genetic defect can be detected with the help of a genetic test. The test can be performed at any time, i.e. there is no need to wait until, for example, menopause. The genetic test can only show an increased risk for the disease. Again, this does not mean that the patient suffers from osteoporosis in every case or will eventually develop it. Thus, the disease as such cannot be detected by means of a genetic test, but only whether or not there is an increased risk for the respective patient play an important role in the prevention of post-climacteric osteoporosis, so that, for example, hormone replacement therapy can be considered at an early stage in menopausal patients at risk.

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