Are you 50 or older? Have you ever broken a bone from a minor fall? It may be time to discuss osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that often goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs. It's a condition where bones lose density, becoming weak and porous—making them more susceptible to breaks from even a simple bump. In the Philippines and worldwide, millions of people live with osteoporosis without knowing it, leaving them at risk for life-changing injuries. But with the right knowledge and tools, you can take control of your bone health. 

Recognized as a leading hospital in the Philippines, St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City offers comprehensive bone health services for early detection and prevention. Our commitment to world-class care is supported by advanced technology, including the Bone Densitometry Studies using a DEXA Bone Densitometer. This sophisticated test uses radio-nuclear imaging to accurately measure bone mass, providing a crucial indicator of osteoporosis and a powerful tool for predicting the risk of future fractures.

Our expertise in orthopaedics has earned international acclaim, with St. Luke’s – Global City stood out as the only Philippine hospital recognized in the Orthopaedics category in the Asia Pacific list by Newsweek. This prestigious distinction is a testament to our dedication to diagnosing, treating, and preventing bone-related conditions, ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of care for stronger, healthier bones.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, produces too little bone, or both. This leads to bones that are weak, brittle, and more prone to breaks—even from minor bumps, sneezing, or simple falls.

Under a microscope, a healthy bone resembles a honeycomb. In osteoporosis, the holes in this honeycomb are much larger, indicating loss of bone density and mass. This structural change makes fractures far more likely.

Who Is at Risk of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood:

• Age – Risk rises significantly after 50.
• Gender – Women, especially post-menopausal, are more prone due to lower estrogen levels.
• Family history – Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis increases risk.
• Ethnicity – White and Asian populations have a higher prevalence.
• Lifestyle factors – Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle all contribute.
• Medical conditions and medications – Hormonal disorders, certain cancers, corticosteroid use, and gastrointestinal surgeries can weaken bone.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis

In the early stages, osteoporosis is silent. As it progresses, you may notice:

• Back pain due to spinal fractures
• Loss of height over time
• Stooped posture
• Fragility fractures from minimal trauma

One of the most effective ways to diagnose osteoporosis early is through a Bone Densitometry Study using a DEXA Bone Densitometer. This non-invasive, quick procedure measures your bone mineral density to determine your risk of fractures.

The DEXA scan is the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis and the best osteoporosis screening tool. It provides a clear picture of your bone health, allowing your doctor to:

• Measures bone mineral density (BMD) accurately and painlessly.
• Identifies the degree of osteoporosis or osteopenia.
• Predicts the risk of future fractures.
• Monitors changes in bone density over time.
• A DEXA scan at St. Luke's provides a detailed T-score, a number that compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis, while a score between -1 and -2.5 suggests osteopenia (the stage before osteoporosis).

Why is this so important? Early diagnosis is the key to preventing fractures and the long-term pain they can cause, especially in the spine.

For the Institute of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we believe in a comprehensive approach to bone health. In addition to a DEXA scan, our specialists can help you create a personalized plan that includes:

• Dietary Guidance: Ensuring you get enough calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for building and maintaining strong bones.
• Exercise Programs: Incorporating weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and weightlifting to build and strengthen your bones.
• Advanced Treatments: When necessary, we offer bone-strengthening medications and therapies to reduce fracture risk.

Book your Bone Densitometry Study using a DEXA Bone Densitometer at St. Luke’s Medical Center—your trusted, top-of-the-mind hospital for bone health—and know your risk before it becomes a fracture.

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