According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States each year. However, the root cause of the ‘fall’ that may result in a hip fracture (requiring total hip replacement) is often deterioration of the bone due to lack of proper bone care in earlier years. People who experience softening of the bone (osteopenia) are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Attention to bone health is critical, especially for aging women.
Osteopenia is the softening of the bone. Bones become weaker, but not thin enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. In general, our bones are the most dense at age 30, and tend to get weaker as we age. An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to further thinning of bones, which may turn into osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones have thinned so much they become brittle and can easily break. It’s this brittleness that leads to instability in the hips and spine that can ultimately result in fall-induced hip fractures.
Women are four times more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men due to the hormone changes that occur, particularly after menopause. Post-menopausal women experience a considerable decrease in oestrogen, which is the hormone essential for healthy bones. Declining oestrogen can lead to a rapid decrease in bone density. It is recommended that women who have been through menopause undergo bone density testing every two years.
Bone density testing is an essential step to assessing whether a patient is a candidate for artificial disc replacement. If the bones are too soft, placement of artificial discs may not be possible due to the need to screw the discs onto the existing vertebral bone. During the consultative process, Dr. Lanman undergoes a thorough diagnostic scanning process, screening patients’ bone density levels and reviewing bone levels in the blood.
A healthy lifestyle ensures strong bones. Maintaining a diet conducive to bone health (foods rich in calcium and vitamin D), and an exercise program that incorporates impact and weight-bearing activity can help build bone strength.
While Dr. Lanman does not primarily treat osteoporosis or osteopenia, he does have a network of specialists he can refer patients if required. As part of the proprietary 4D Health™ process, Dr. Lanman may also recommend a combination of the below treatment options when assessing bone health:
The above treatment options would ideally encompass a holistic plan, incorporating healthy diet and regular impact or weight-bearing exercises.
It’s rare to find a team who approach health the way we do. We take a holistic approach to your treatment, identifying ‘cause and effect’ to help ensure continued movement, flexibility and spinal restoration beyond surgical procedures.
“I'm sure you always hear how much you have made a difference in the quality of living after helping so many people, so you are going to hear it one more time from me. Thank you for everything and for being so sweet, patient and giving of yourself!”
“I'm sure you always hear how much you have made a difference in the quality of living after helping so many people, so you are going to hear it one more time from me. Thank you for everything and for being so sweet, patient and giving of yourself!”
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