INVESTIGATIONS ON OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURE RISK ASSESSMENT AMONG SOUTH INDIAN WOMEN

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis results in an increased risk of fracture among aging women. A strong connection exists for bone health with tooth loss, menopause, diet, BMI and hysterectomy. Purpose: To study the impact of heel BMD with age, BMI, menopausal status, hysterectomy and tooth loss among people living in Chennai metropolitan neighborhood. Materials and Methods: The study involved ([Formula: see text], age: [Formula: see text] years) women, which included women with normal BMD ([Formula: see text] = 35, age: [Formula: see text] years), Osteopenia ([Formula: see text], age: [Formula: see text] years) and Osteoporosis ([Formula: see text], age: [Formula: see text] years). All the participants underwent BMD assessment at their right heel using an Ultrasound densitometer system (Model: CM-200, Manufacturer: FURUNO ELECTRIC CO. LTD., Japan). The subjects were classified into various subgroups based on BMD, age, Menopausal status, hysterectomy and tooth loss. Results: The mean age of women attaining menopause and those undergoing hysterectomy are [Formula: see text] years and [Formula: see text] years, respectively. The decrease of heel BMD was very prominent among women having more than two tooth extracted, menopause and hysterectomy. It was found that approximately 90% of the studied population were suffering from either osteopenia or osteoporosis in their post-menopausal period. Conclusion: Women aged above 50 years are at greater risk of osteoporosis due to post-menopausal phase, high probability of undergoing hysterectomy and tooth loss. Therefore, women should ensure sufficient consumption of calcium rich diet in their entire life cycle to ensure a healthy livelihood.