이중 에너지 방사선 흡수계측법을 이용한 골다공증의 유병률 조사 및 골다공증과 체질량지수와의 관계

The Prevalence of Osteoporosis by Using Dual Energy Absorptiometry , and the Relationship Between Osteoporosis and Body Mass Index

Osteoporosis has been neglected as an aging process in elderly, clinically manifested by fractures. Nowadays, osteoporosis is defined as a disease characterized by low bone mass and nicroarchitectural deterioration of the skeleton, leading to increased skeletal fragility and enhanced fracture risk. Despite the vast advancement in the treatment and early detection of osteoporosis, many women are not aware of the need for early prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry(DXA) has been used to measure the bone mineral density of 1015 women who have visited the health care center of a university hospital at Seoul, Korea. The subjects of the study have been preevaluated by physical examinations and laboratory tests, and only the healthy women have been selected for the study. The average bone mineral density of women in their perimenopausal age(45-55 years old) is 0.815 ±0.131 g/cm^2. 76.6% of the women over 45 years old are candidates of intervention for low bone mass. Surprisingly, 47.7% of women who are less than 45 years old are also candidates for the treatment of osteoporosis. Women of Korea, young and old, should be aware about osteoporosis. Early prevention of osteoporosis, by increasing the peak bone mass during early adult life, is important. Likewise, changing life styles which negatively affect the skeleton should be avoided. And, regular weight bearing exercise, adequate calcium intake, cessation of alcohol and smoking should be encouraged.