Congratulations to Dr. Kenneth Swan, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and a specialist in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery with University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA), for his published article in Home News Tribune raising awareness on the topic of osteoporosis: who’s at risk, what preventative measures can be taken, and how to properly treat and diagnose the degenerative bone disease.

Osteoporosis is the deterioration of the quality of bone structure as you age, which can result in severe, life-threatening fracture following a fall. Worldwide, nearly nine million osteoporotic fractures occur each year, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

In his article, Dr. Swan describes his experience with treating a patient who suffered an osteoporotic fracture of the hip, and brings to light some of the factors that contribute to osteoporosis, such as cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and certain medications. People of certain ethnicities or who suffer from chronic illness such as kidney disease or diabetes are also at risk. For those ages 50 and older, he also suggests a DEXA scan, a ten-minute non-invasive test that measures bone density.

The DEXA scan is recommended by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) for anyone who has a fragility fracture (broken bone that occurred with minimal trauma), anyone with a disease or condition associated with osteoporosis, and anyone being treated for osteoporosis to monitor the effects of therapy. It may also be used for women who have been receiving hormone replacement for prolonged periods and is suggested for both women ages 65 and over and men ages 70 and over. Dr. Swan also states, however, that osteoporosis does not have to be inevitable: “If you are under age 50, you can help prevent osteoporosis: diet, exercise and smoking cessation can go a long way for many parts of your body, including the skeleton.” He also recommends a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. “Prevention is the best medicine. Consider this in your lifestyle choices, as well as at your next doctor’s visit.”

UOA offers comprehensive screening practices for osteoporosis. Patricia Seuffert, Research Coordinator and Nurse Practitioner at UOA, won the 2012 Professional Award presented by NJ’s Health and Senior Services and NJ Interagency Council for Osteoporosis for her work on improving hip fracture management with hospitalized patients. In addition, UOA is one of only two ISCD-accredited facilities in the state of New Jersey.

To see the full article and learn more about osteoporosis, click here.