Dostéoporose

Dostéoporose, commonly known as osteoporosis, is a medical condition characterized by decreased bone density and mass, leading to fragile bones that are more susceptible to fractures. It is a common skeletal disorder predominantly affecting older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, due to hormonal changes that accelerate bone loss.

The condition develops slowly over time, often without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Common sites for fractures include the hips, spine, and wrists. Risk factors for dostéoporose include advanced age, female gender, family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and nutritional deficiencies of calcium and vitamin D.

Diagnosis is typically confirmed through bone mineral density (BMD) measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. The World Health Organization classifies osteoporosis based on BMD scores, with values two or more standard deviations below the young adult mean indicating the presence of the disease.

Preventive strategies emphasize adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use. Pharmacologic treatments include bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, hormone replacement therapy, and newer agents such as denosumab and teriparatide.

Complications of dostéoporose can be severe, notably vertebral fractures, which may lead to chronic pain and deformity, and hip fractures, which can significantly impair mobility and increase mortality risk. Early detection and management are essential to reduce the risk of fractures and improve quality of life for affected individuals.