An evidence-based ongoing study on osteoporosis conducted by the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital has found that nearly 60 per cent of the city’s population suffered from deficient bone density, which could lead to osteoporosis.
The findings were presented during a continuing medical education (CME) programme organised here by the hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics on Monday to mark the World Osteoporosis Day. Explaining the results, S. Vetrivel Chezhian, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, said that the study, which began on May 2013, also found that DEXA Scan (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry), done to measure bone health, was the most effective method to diagnose osteoporosis.
Also, CT scans, the most commonly used technique, was found to be reasonably accurate.
The main causes for osteoporosis was inadequate physical exercises and lack of requisite exposure to sun light besides insufficient calcium and vitamin D deficiency, all of which are caused by lifestyle changes.
Kumar Natarajan, Head, Department of Internal Medicine, spoke about medical management techniques such as administration of drugs and hormonal therapy.
S. Elangovan, Professor, Department of Orthopedics, spoke about surgical management and tackling fractures caused by osteoporosis. S. Usha, Professor, Department of Medicine, said that osteoporosis was common among women above 30 years.
A screening camp for aged and elderly persons was conducted at the Government Hospital at Pollachi. Around 70 senior citizens were screened during this camp and given free medicines, according to hospital Superintendent S. Kannan.
Twelve persons who had undergone hip replacement surgery and two others who had knee replacement surgery at the GH under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme spoke.
Dawood Fathima, Joint Director, Medical and Rural Services, presided over the programme.
