Osteoporosis Treatment in Berlin
Diagnosis and treatment of bone loss and increased fracture risk
- DXA bone density measurement to assess osteoporosis
- Conservative osteoporosis therapy based on your individual risk profile
- Treatment by experienced specialists in orthopedics and osteology
Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton. The bones lose density and stability, which increases the risk of fractures. This is why osteoporosis is also commonly referred to as "bone loss". The condition often goes unnoticed for a long time because it initially causes no symptoms or only nonspecific ones.
At MVZ VITALIS in Berlin-Buckow, we examine and treat patients with osteoporosis or an increased risk of fractures. This includes a careful assessment of risk factors, bone density measurement and a therapy tailored to the results. The goal is to stabilize the bones, prevent fractures and specifically treat complaints caused by existing fractures.
Why osteoporosis should be detected early
In osteoporosis, bone mass decreases and the bone structure changes at the same time. The bone becomes more fragile. Even relatively minor stress can then lead to fractures, for example of the vertebrae, wrist, upper arm or femoral neck.
Vertebral fractures in particular are not always detected right away. They can cause back pain, a loss of height or a change in posture. Sometimes osteoporosis is only noticed once a fracture has already occurred.
Early diagnosis is therefore important. The sooner an increased fracture risk is identified, the better preventive measures and suitable osteoporosis therapy can be planned.
Risk factors for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis particularly often affects women after menopause, but it can also affect men. The risk increases with age. In addition to age and hormonal changes, other factors also play a role.
Common risk factors include:
Family history
Previous fractures after minor stress
Long-term use of cortisone
Low body weight or malnutrition
Lack of exercise
Smoking
Certain metabolic or hormonal disorders
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Diabetes mellitus
Vitamin D deficiency or insufficient calcium intake
Whether osteoporosis testing makes sense does not depend on a single factor. What matters is the overall risk profile.
Diagnosis: bone density measurement and medical assessment
The most important test for assessing bone density is DXA bone density measurement. It measures how dense the bone is in certain regions of the body, usually the lumbar spine and hip. The DVO guideline names DXA measurement of the lumbar spine and proximal femur as the central method for defining and diagnosing osteoporosis.
At MVZ VITALIS, we combine bone density measurement with a medical examination and an assessment of your personal fracture risk. Among other things, we ask about previous fractures, medications, other medical conditions, diet, exercise, falls and family risks. If necessary, lab tests or further imaging may be useful.
This makes it easier to assess whether prevention alone is sufficient or whether targeted osteoporosis treatment is needed.
Components of osteoporosis therapy
Treatment is based on bone density, age, symptoms, other medical conditions and fracture risk. For some patients, exercise, nutrition and follow-up checks are the main focus. With a higher risk, medication may also be useful or necessary.
Regular exercise can support bones, muscles, balance and coordination. It is important to choose exercises that suit your physical condition and do not increase the risk of falling. Strength training and balance exercises can also be useful if they are performed safely.
For people with osteoporosis, an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D as well as regular exercise are important foundations of treatment. The DVO guideline also emphasizes an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D, especially during drug therapy for osteoporosis.
Whether dietary supplements are needed should not be decided across the board. What matters are diet, blood levels, other medical conditions and the planned therapy.
Preventing falls is an important part of osteoporosis treatment. This includes, for example, checking for unsteady gait, muscle strength, vision, medications and possible tripping hazards in everyday life. If necessary, walking aids, physiotherapy or balance training may be useful.
With an increased fracture risk, medications can be used that slow bone loss or support bone formation. Commonly used drug classes include bisphosphonates, for example. Depending on the situation, other medications may also be an option.
Which drug therapy for osteoporosis is suitable depends on the individual risk, other medical conditions, possible side effects and previous treatments. According to the DVO guideline, the decision to start drug therapy is based on risk.
Good to know for patients
FAQ about osteoporosis treatment
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease in which the bones lose density and stability. This increases the risk of fractures. The vertebrae, wrist, upper arm and femoral neck are affected particularly often.
At first, osteoporosis often causes no clear symptoms. Signs can include fractures after minor stress, back pain, a loss of height or an increasingly stooped posture. The risk can only be reliably assessed through a medical evaluation.
An important part of the diagnosis is bone density measurement, usually using the DXA method. In addition, risk factors, previous fractures, medications, other medical conditions and, if necessary, lab values are taken into account.
A bone density measurement can be useful if there are risk factors, for example older age, fractures after minor stress, long-term cortisone use, low body weight, certain diseases or a family history. Whether the test is recommended depends on your personal risk profile.
Osteoporosis cannot always be fully reversed. However, suitable treatment can help slow bone loss, support bone stability and reduce the risk of further fractures.
Important measures include regular exercise, muscle building, balance training, an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D and steps to prevent falls. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on bone health.
Medications that slow bone loss are often used, for example bisphosphonates. In certain situations, other active ingredients may also be an option. Which medications are suitable should be decided by a physician based on the individual risk and possible side effects.
Like all medications, osteoporosis medications can have side effects. Which risks are relevant depends on the active ingredient, pre-existing conditions and how the medication is taken. Before starting drug therapy, we discuss the benefits, possible side effects and follow-up checks.
Coverage depends on the medical reason and your insurance. Statutory health insurance covers bone density measurement under certain conditions, for example when it is medically justified. In other cases, it may be a self-pay service.
Would you like to have your osteoporosis risk assessed or do you need advice on osteoporosis therapy? Then feel free to book an appointment for a consultation at MVZ VITALIS in Berlin-Buckow.
Book your osteoporosis treatment appointment now
Do you have an increased risk of osteoporosis, have you been diagnosed with reduced bone density or have you already had a fracture after minor stress? Then feel free to book an appointment at MVZ VITALIS, Center for Orthopedics and Pain Therapy in Berlin-Buckow.
After a medical examination and bone density measurement, our specialists will advise you on which treatment makes sense for your situation.