Osteoporosis assessment and specialist bone health care
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weaker and more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures. Professor Richard Keen provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning for osteoporosis, low bone density and fracture risk.
Osteoporosis is treatable. The right plan can help reduce future fracture risk, protect mobility and support long-term confidence.
Osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Osteoporosis means the bones have become less dense and more fragile. This can make fractures more likely, sometimes after a fall or injury that would not normally break a bone. The wrist, hip and spine are common sites for osteoporotic fractures.
A specialist assessment looks beyond the scan result alone. It considers your age, sex, fracture history, family history, medication use, hormone changes, calcium and vitamin D levels, other medical conditions and lifestyle factors.
- Assessment of osteoporosis, osteopenia and fragility fracture risk
- Review and explanation of DEXA scan results
- Investigation of underlying causes of poor bone health
- Personalised treatment planning to reduce future fracture risk
What osteoporosis can look like
Osteoporosis is sometimes called a silent condition because bone loss itself does not usually cause symptoms. The first sign may be a fracture, loss of height or back pain from a spinal fracture.
Fragility fractures
A fracture after a minor fall or low-impact injury may suggest underlying bone fragility.
Spine fractures
Vertebral fractures may cause back pain, height loss, curvature of the spine or reduced mobility.
Hip or wrist fractures
The hip and wrist are common fracture sites and should prompt review of bone density and future risk.
Low bone density result
A DEXA scan may show osteoporosis or osteopenia before a fracture has occurred.
Loss of height
Unexplained height loss can sometimes be linked to vertebral compression fractures.
Repeated fractures
Multiple fractures or fractures from minor injuries should be assessed carefully.
Why osteoporosis happens
Osteoporosis can develop when bone loss happens faster than new bone formation. This becomes more common with age, particularly after menopause, but it can also affect men and younger people.
Risk factors may include previous fractures, family history, early menopause, low body weight, smoking, excess alcohol, long-term steroid medication, some cancer treatments, inflammatory disease, low vitamin D, low calcium intake and reduced mobility.
How osteoporosis is assessed
Diagnosis often includes a DEXA bone density scan, but scan results need to be interpreted in context. A person with osteopenia may still be at high fracture risk, while treatment decisions may also depend on previous fractures and other clinical factors.
Blood tests may be recommended to look for vitamin D deficiency, calcium abnormalities, thyroid or parathyroid problems, kidney function, inflammation or other causes of reduced bone strength.
Osteoporosis care is about reducing future fracture risk
Treatment is not just about improving a scan result. The main aim is to reduce the risk of future fractures, support mobility, maintain independence and help patients understand what they can do to protect bone strength.
This may involve medication, calcium and vitamin D advice, exercise guidance, falls prevention, review of other medicines and ongoing monitoring.
Related treatments and services
Osteoporosis treatment depends on fracture risk, scan results, medical history, previous treatments and individual priorities. Professor Keen can explain the options and recommend a plan suited to your circumstances.
A clear, careful osteoporosis consultation
A consultation will usually include review of your symptoms, DEXA scan results, fracture history, blood tests, medications, family history, lifestyle, falls risk and any previous osteoporosis treatments.
Professor Keen will explain what the results mean, whether further investigation is needed and which treatment or monitoring options may be suitable.
Osteoporosis questions
Common questions from patients who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, had a fracture or received a bone density scan result.
Is osteoporosis serious?
Osteoporosis can be serious because it increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, spine and wrist. The positive news is that treatment and prevention strategies can reduce future fracture risk.
Does osteoporosis cause pain?
Osteoporosis itself does not usually cause pain unless a fracture occurs. Spinal fractures can cause back pain, height loss and changes in posture.
Can osteoporosis be treated?
Yes. Treatment may include medication, injections or infusions, vitamin D and calcium advice, exercise, lifestyle changes, falls prevention and monitoring over time.
Do I need a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is commonly used to measure bone density. Whether you need one depends on your fracture history, risk factors, age, medication use and clinical background.
What should I bring to an osteoporosis appointment?
Please bring any DEXA scan reports, blood test results, clinic letters, medication lists and details of previous fractures or osteoporosis treatments.
Arrange a specialist osteoporosis appointment
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, had a fragility fracture, received an abnormal DEXA scan result or would like a second opinion on your treatment options, please contact the practice.
Contact details
For private appointments and general enquiries, please contact the office.