Evaluation of Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women

Introduction Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized with decreased bone mineral density. Osteoporosis is divided in two groups: primary and secondary. After thirties year of life reduction of bone tissue is inevitable process, and as a consequence of it, there is a change in bone remodeling cycle what can lead to fragility of bones and increase risk of fractures. Risk factors are numerous and there is no single cause of the disorder. Patients and methods As a part of the investigational project 1000 female patients were examined at the Clinic for Nuclear medicine of the University Clinical Center of Sarajevo, age 40 to 75 during 12 months. The study was designed as prospective. For each patient we did personal history, and diagnostic procedure, ultrasound of calcaneus as screening procedure and DXA of femur and lumbar spine. We established presence of risk factors for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Results of investigation: Results of measurement with diagnostic ultrasound method screening of calcaneus T score showed that out of 1000 patients in 92% of patients osteoporosis was diagnosed. Comparation of T score results for all three diagnostic methods (ultrasound of calcaneus, DXA femur and spine), in investigated group of patients highest efficiency was found with screening method of calcaneus ultrasound. Leading three factors for osteoporosis development are: smoking, genetic factors and endocrine conditions. Conclusion: ultrasound of calcaneus as screening method demonstrated presence of osteoporosis in 920 out of 1000 patients. Results of measurement with diagnostic ultrasound method demonstrated highest efficiency in osteoporosis diagnostic in postmenopausal women.