Osteopenia

Osteopenia
Other namesLow bone mass, low bone density
SpecialtyRheumatology, Endocrinology
SymptomsUsually asymptomatic
ComplicationsDevelopment into Osteoporosis
Risk factorsOld age, European or Asian ethnicity, alcoholism, smoking, low body mass index
Diagnostic methodBone density scan
PreventionAdequate Vitamin D and calcium, regular weight bearing exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking
TreatmentUsually unmerited
MedicationUsually unmerited

Osteopenia, known as "low bone mass" or "low bone density", is a condition in which bone mineral density is low.[1] Because their bones are weaker, people with osteopenia may have a higher risk of fractures, and some people may go on to develop osteoporosis.[2] In 2010, 43 million older adults in the US had osteopenia.[3] Unlike osteoporosis, osteopenia does not usually cause symptoms, and losing bone density in itself does not cause pain.

There is no single cause for osteopenia, although there are several risk factors, including modifiable (behavioral, including dietary and use of certain drugs) and non-modifiable (for instance, loss of bone mass with age). For people with risk factors, screening via a DXA scanner may help to detect the development and progression of low bone density. Prevention of low bone density may begin early in life and includes a healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise, as well as avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. The treatment of osteopenia is controversial: non-pharmaceutical treatment involves preserving existing bone mass via healthy behaviors (dietary modification, weight-bearing exercise, avoidance or cessation of smoking or heavy alcohol use). Pharmaceutical treatment for osteopenia, including bisphosphonates and other medications, may be considered in certain cases but is not without risks. Overall, treatment decisions should be guided by considering each patient's constellation of risk factors for fractures.

Osteopenia exists on a spectrum of normal to dangerously low bone density (osteoporosis).
  1. ^ "What Is Osteopenia?". familydoctor.org. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  2. ^ Cranney A, Jamal SA, Tsang JF, Josse RG, Leslie WD (September 2007). "Low bone mineral density and fracture burden in postmenopausal women". CMAJ. 177 (6): 575–80. doi:10.1503/cmaj.070234. PMC 1963365. PMID 17846439.
  3. ^ Wright NC, Looker AC, Saag KG, Curtis JR, Delzell ES, Randall S, Dawson-Hughes B (November 2014). "The recent prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass in the United States based on bone mineral density at the femoral neck or lumbar spine". Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 29 (11): 2520–6. doi:10.1002/jbmr.2269. PMC 4757905. PMID 24771492.