Conditions Associated with Osteoporosis

Certain medical conditions significantly increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Managing patients with conditions associated with osteoporosis requires monitoring bone density, assessing fracture risk, and initiating osteoporosis-specific treatment.

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can lead to bone loss due to prolonged inflammation and the use of glucocorticoids.

Malabsorption conditions, like coeliac disease, hinder the absorption of essential nutrients for bone health, thereby increasing fracture risk. Additionally, individuals with low body weight, including those with past or current eating disorders, are at higher risk due to lower bone mass.

Cognitive impairments, such as dementia, correlate with higher fracture risks, partly due to increased falls and lower bone density. Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, is also associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Recognising and managing these risks is crucial for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Health professionals should incorporate fracture risk assessments into the management plans of patients with these conditions. Monitoring bone density, falls prevention interventions, and osteoporosis-specific treatments are often required in this population.