Preventing Aging-related Musculoskeletal Problems: Osteoporosis, Fractures, and Vertigo

Aging brings with it a multitude of changes at the level of the entire organism, including at the cellular level. Thus, various problems of the cardiovascular system, urinary system, vision problems or cognitive problems can appear or be accentuated. But the first signs of aging can be observed at the musculoskeletal level. As the years go by, muscles weaken and bones lose bone density, becoming much more fragile and at risk of fracture, even during mundane activities such as a simple fit of coughing or sneezing.

Bone destruction is characteristic of osteoporosis, an often asymptomatic condition that is most often diagnosed at the time of fractures. They usually occur in the hip, spine and forearm, but the most common in seniors are hip. In such situations, following a specialist consultation and specific imaging investigations, the doctor can recommend an intervention of joint prosthesis, which involves replacing the affected joint with a total or partial prosthesis. Surgical treatment aims to relieve pain, restore joint mobility and increase patients’ quality of life.

Measuring bone density plays an important role in diagnosing osteoporosis and preventing secondary problems that may arise and have a strong impact on quality of life. This can be done through a non-invasive and safe investigation called osteodensitometrie (DEXA). This investigation, which uses X-rays, but with a very low level of radiation (comparable to that in the natural environment), allows the doctor to evaluate and monitor the bone density, but also to estimate the risk of fracture.

Osteodensitometry is indicated for women at menopause, but also before if there are risk factors, as well as for men over the age of 70 and even earlier if there are factors predisposing to fractures and bone demineralization. It can also be performed by adults regardless of age if they have fragility fractures, but also to monitor the effectiveness of anti-osteoporotic treatment.

To prevent fractures of osteoporotic origin, lifestyle plays a very important role. Physical activities must be of low intensity and the body posture must be correct, so as to prevent bone deformations. Also, a diet rich in calcium, quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption prevent osteoporosis and complications. In addition, if the disease has already set in, such measures increase the effectiveness of treatment for osteoporosis.

Bone fractures also occur as a result of falls, on healthy bone, without the person concerned being affected by osteoporosis. Such events are common in the elderly, being often caused by a balance disorder, such as vertigo. Then the patients feel a strong dizziness, with the feeling that the objects around them are rotating or moving, which leads to a loss of balance. It is very important to know that vertigo is not a condition in itself, but rather a symptom, which can be caused by other diseases, such as: disorders of the inner ear, some viral infections of the inner ear, Ménière’s disease, brain conditions, sclerosis multiple, orthostatic hypotension, migraines, etc.

Untreated, vertigo has a strong impact on the quality of life, in addition to the high risk of falls and fractures, affecting the performance of daily activities under normal conditions. A consultation with the ENT doctor is recommended in order to accurately establish the diagnosis, treatment and to prevent possible consequences. The diagnosis is easy to establish, with the help of vestibular tests and an audiogram, if necessary. In some situations, the doctor may also recommend some imaging investigations (CT or MRI).

In order to avoid falls, in case of an episode of vertigo, it is recommended that, at the moment when dizziness occurs, the affected person should sit down to avoid injury and ask for help.

For the effective management of these conditions, it is recommended that patients opt for a center that offers them integrated and complex diagnostic and treatment services, provided by experienced and highly trained doctors, with the help of modern, high-performance equipment. At SANADOR, the evaluation of osteoporosis is carried out with the help of a state-of-the-art machine – Lunar iDXA, which uses low doses of radiation and provides high-resolution images. In addition, unlike conventional DXA equipment, it has the ability to correct errors arising from image magnification, allowing for a much more accurate assessment. In addition to assessing bone density and fracture risk, the device also allows the assessment of muscle mass and fat.

Also, in the ENT Department of the SANADOR Clinical Hospital, patients have access to a variety of modern investigations and therapeutic interventions. For the diagnosis of balance disorders, including vertigo, the department is equipped with a Multitest Equilibre platform, with the help of which the doctor can perform a state-of-the-art investigation – dynamic computerized posturography.

In the event of a fracture, patients have access to joint prosthetic surgery performed under maximum safety conditions, by highly trained orthopedic and traumatology surgeons, with extensive experience and outstanding results.

2023-10-04 07:00:12
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