Understanding osteoporosis and its treatment

How is osteoporosis treated ?

Dr. Cao Thanh Ngoc, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal Disorders at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City (UMC Hospital), stated that in the treatment of osteoporosis, supplementing with substances that strengthen bones such as calcium and vitamin D is extremely necessary. However, patients should not mistakenly believe that osteoporosis can be cured simply by taking calcium. In reality, calcium is only like a building material, only a supportive treatment. For these materials to be effective, we also need the workers, which are the specific medications.

Dr. Cao Thanh Ngoc examines a patient.

Specific medications work through two mechanisms: inhibiting bone resorption or promoting bone formation. Doctors will discuss the specifics with the patient or recommend appropriate medication or treatment based on any co-existing conditions. In Vietnam today, bisphosphonate drugs are the most commonly used.

For medication-based treatment, patients require long-term therapy. The typical treatment duration is 5 years with oral biphosphonates and 3 years with intravenous biphosphonates. After this period, doctors will reassess the treatment response and may consider temporarily discontinuing treatment if bone density improves. If bone density has not improved, treatment may be extended depending on the individual case.

At the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that patients, regardless of which specialty they are treated in, are less likely to have any accompanying issues overlooked. Patients who visit the hospital and are indicated for treatment will receive early screening and treatment for osteoporosis. In cases where patients unfortunately develop fractures and are admitted to the Orthopedics or Neurosurgery department, after surgical intervention, they will be consulted with doctors from the Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal Department to consider appropriate osteoporosis treatment. This ensures highly effective and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

Things to keep in mind when treating osteoporosis.

According to MSc-Dr. Nguyen Chau Tuan (Department of Internal Medicine, Musculoskeletal and Joint Diseases, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City), to properly treat osteoporosis, patients need to take medication exactly as prescribed by their doctor regarding dosage and timing, especially when using biphosphonates. Furthermore, for effective treatment, patients need to combine both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. In pharmacological treatment, in addition to specific medications like biphosphonates, patients also need to supplement with calcium and vitamin D.

In addition, patients need to build a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and green vegetables. At the same time, patients should increase exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance, such as yoga and cycling. Finally, for effective treatment, patients need to have regular follow-up appointments so that doctors can assess their condition and adjust treatment if necessary.

Osteoporosis can lead to the dreaded consequence of fractures. Falls are a major cause of hip fractures and vertebral compression fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Therefore, preventing falls is extremely important and necessary, especially for people with osteoporosis.

In response to World Osteoporosis Day and to raise public awareness about osteoporosis, the Communication Center, in collaboration with the Department of Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal Diseases at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, is implementing a series of health-sharing consultation programs on the topic of UNDERSTANDING OSTEOPOROSIS AND ITS TREATMENT. Follow us at: https://bit.ly/dieutriloangxuong

The program, sponsored by GIGAMED Pharmaceutical Company Limited, includes the following main topics: Understanding osteoporosis, Early treatment of osteoporosis - preventing disabling complications, and Adherence to osteoporosis treatment - It seems difficult, but it's easy!

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