Osteoporosis (cont.)
Medical Author:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Medical Editor:
Catherine Burt Driver, MD
Catherine Burt Driver, MDCatherine Burt Driver, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Driver is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. She currently is in active practice in the field of rheumatology in Mission Viejo, Calif., where she is a partner in Mission Internal Medical Group. In this Article
 What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with osteoporosis?The outlook for patients with osteoporosis depends greatly on where fractures occur. Additionally, if treatment is begun when the bone disease is detected early, the outcome is better. Hip fractures are a particularly dangerous consequence of osteoporosis in the elderly. Approximately 20% of those who experience a hip fracture will die in the year following the fracture. Only one-third of hip-fracture patients regain their pre-fracture level of function. One-third of hip-fracture patients are discharged to a nursing home within the year after fracture. Newer medications, medications with different methods of delivery, and research into the optimal management of osteoporosis will bring even better options for care for patients with osteoporosis in the future. REFERENCES: Previous contributing author: Carolyn Janet Crandall,
MD, MS, FACP Reviewed by Catherine Burt Driver, MD on 6/6/2012 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Osteoporosis - Treatment
Question: What kinds of treatment, including medication or supplements, have you tried for your osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis - Share Your Experience
Question: Do you or a relative have osteoporosis? Please share your experience.
Osteoporosis - Risk Factors and Causes
Question: Do you have any risk factors for osteoporosis? What are they?
Osteoporosis - Lifestyle Changes
Question: What lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking or alcohol), have you made to manage your osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis - Hormone Therapy Experience
Question: Have you been prescribed hormone therapy to treat your osteoporosis? What was your experience?
Osteoporosis - Medications
Question: What medications have you been prescribed to treat your osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis - Complications
Question: Have you had any complications related to your osteoporosis? If so, what were they?
Osteoporosis - Symptoms
Question: What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
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