Osteoporosis Diagnostic and Treatment Center
Rheumatology Associates of South Florida is a leader in the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis. Established in 1984, it was the first osteoporosis center in Boca Raton. With physicians maintaining membership and certification in the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), RASF strives to remain at the forefront of osteoporosis management. DXA scans, used to measure bone density, are conveniently performed on site. See below to learn more about osteoporosis and its treatment.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are conditions characterized by the loss of bone density and strength, which increases an individual's risk of sustaining a fracture.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are conditions characterized by the loss of bone density and strength, which increases an individual's risk of sustaining a fracture.
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is established if a person has a T score less than or equal to - 2.5 on a DXA scan, or if a fragility fracture has occurred. A fragility fracture is defined as a fracture resulting from a stress that would not normally cause a fracture, such as those sustained during falls from a standing height. Osteopenia is defined as a T score between -1.0 and -2.5 on DXA scan.
The diagnosis of osteoporosis is established if a person has a T score less than or equal to - 2.5 on a DXA scan, or if a fragility fracture has occurred. A fragility fracture is defined as a fracture resulting from a stress that would not normally cause a fracture, such as those sustained during falls from a standing height. Osteopenia is defined as a T score between -1.0 and -2.5 on DXA scan.
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis itself does not cause symptoms, which is why routine screening is necessary. The only symptom associated with osteoporosis is the pain that occurs if a fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis itself does not cause symptoms, which is why routine screening is necessary. The only symptom associated with osteoporosis is the pain that occurs if a fracture occurs.
Who gets osteoporosis?
Although more common in women, men are also frequently affected. There are numerous risk factors for osteoporosis, including being post-menopausal, having a family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture, age, thin stature, ethnicity, use of various medications (including steroids, many seizure and stomach acid medications, and some treatments used in the management of breast and prostate cancer), drinking alcohol in excess, tobacco use, celiac disease, vitamin D deficiency, hyperthyroidism (including over treated hypothyroidism), and many others.
Although more common in women, men are also frequently affected. There are numerous risk factors for osteoporosis, including being post-menopausal, having a family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture, age, thin stature, ethnicity, use of various medications (including steroids, many seizure and stomach acid medications, and some treatments used in the management of breast and prostate cancer), drinking alcohol in excess, tobacco use, celiac disease, vitamin D deficiency, hyperthyroidism (including over treated hypothyroidism), and many others.
When should I have my bone density tested?
ISCD currently recommends testing for various groups, including the following:
- Women age 65 and over
- Post-menopausal women younger than age 65 with certain risk factors*
- Women during the menopausal transition with certain risk factors*
- Men age 70 and over
- Men younger than age 70 with certain risk factors*
- Any adult with a history of fragility fracture or risk factors for low bone mass
* Risk factors include low body weight, prior fracture, high risk medication use, and certain medical conditions
ISCD currently recommends testing for various groups, including the following:
- Women age 65 and over
- Post-menopausal women younger than age 65 with certain risk factors*
- Women during the menopausal transition with certain risk factors*
- Men age 70 and over
- Men younger than age 70 with certain risk factors*
- Any adult with a history of fragility fracture or risk factors for low bone mass
* Risk factors include low body weight, prior fracture, high risk medication use, and certain medical conditions
What role do I have in treating and preventing osteoporosis?
Use of prescription medications, when indicated, is the hallmark of management (see below). Appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight bearing exercise, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol intake, and taking appropriate precautions to avoid falls are integral components of maintaining bone health and preventing fractures. Having routine DXA scanning is also imperative, as it may allow for the early identification and treatment of osteoporosis, before a fracture occurs.
Use of prescription medications, when indicated, is the hallmark of management (see below). Appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight bearing exercise, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol intake, and taking appropriate precautions to avoid falls are integral components of maintaining bone health and preventing fractures. Having routine DXA scanning is also imperative, as it may allow for the early identification and treatment of osteoporosis, before a fracture occurs.
What are the treatment options for osteoporosis?
There are numerous medications approved for the management of osteoporosis in the US, including the following:
Oral bisphosphonates - Medications such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Atelvia, and generic equivalents, which are taken by mouth on a weekly or monthly basis.
IV bisphosphonates - Similar to the above, but administered intravenously. Available options are Reclast (including generic) and Boniva.
Prolia (denosumab) - Has a unique mechanism of action (RANK ligand inhibitor). Administered subcutaneously every 6 months.
Evenity (romosozmab) - Has a unique mechanism of action (Sclerostin inhibitor). Administered subcutaneously once monthly for 12 months.
Forteo (teriparatide) - A parathyroid hormone analog. Administered subcutaneously once daily for up to 24 months.
Tymlos (abaloparatide) - A parathyroid hormone analog. Administered subcutaneously once daily for up to 24 months.
Evista (raloxifene) - Selective estrogen receptor modulator. Taken daily by mouth.
There are numerous medications approved for the management of osteoporosis in the US, including the following:
Oral bisphosphonates - Medications such as Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Atelvia, and generic equivalents, which are taken by mouth on a weekly or monthly basis.
IV bisphosphonates - Similar to the above, but administered intravenously. Available options are Reclast (including generic) and Boniva.
Prolia (denosumab) - Has a unique mechanism of action (RANK ligand inhibitor). Administered subcutaneously every 6 months.
Evenity (romosozmab) - Has a unique mechanism of action (Sclerostin inhibitor). Administered subcutaneously once monthly for 12 months.
Forteo (teriparatide) - A parathyroid hormone analog. Administered subcutaneously once daily for up to 24 months.
Tymlos (abaloparatide) - A parathyroid hormone analog. Administered subcutaneously once daily for up to 24 months.
Evista (raloxifene) - Selective estrogen receptor modulator. Taken daily by mouth.
Who should be evaluated?
Anyone who has a known diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis, who has sustained a fragility fracture, or has not had appropriate screening would benefit from an evaluation. Evaluation includes a history and physical examination, bone density assessment by DXA (if not already done), and laboratory testing to identify certain risk factors that may be contributing to reduced bone density and fracture risk. Speak with your primary care provider or call to schedule an appointment if an evaluation is appropriate. Our expert team of providers is eager to answer your questions and guide you in formulating a management plan. Click here for appointment information.
Anyone who has a known diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis, who has sustained a fragility fracture, or has not had appropriate screening would benefit from an evaluation. Evaluation includes a history and physical examination, bone density assessment by DXA (if not already done), and laboratory testing to identify certain risk factors that may be contributing to reduced bone density and fracture risk. Speak with your primary care provider or call to schedule an appointment if an evaluation is appropriate. Our expert team of providers is eager to answer your questions and guide you in formulating a management plan. Click here for appointment information.
Where can I get more information?
The National Osteoporosis Foundation is a great resource for patients with osteoporosis. Please visit their website for more information.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation is a great resource for patients with osteoporosis. Please visit their website for more information.