Osteoporosis Clinic
UM BWMC’s Osteoporosis Clinic offers specialized care for patients age 49 and older who have had a broken bone or are at high-risk for developing osteoporosis. Adults who have had a fracture are at very high risk for suffering additional fractures in the future, especially if they have osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones become brittle and weak, which makes it easier for them to break. There are no symptoms until a bone breaks, so many adults with osteoporosis do not know that they have osteoporosis. Thankfully, it is never too late to start treatment for osteoporosis.
Risk Factors of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is very common, especially in the older population. Individuals at higher risk for osteoporosis include:
- Family history of osteoporosis, especially if a parent broke a hip
- Caucasian or Asian
- Obese or very slender
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Previous chemotherapy treatment
Customized Treatment Plans
Because the severity of bone loss is different in every patient, customized care plans are essential. The Osteoporosis Clinic team works with patients to develop these personalized treatment plans to help prevent or manage their osteoporosis, and to prevent fall risks and future fractures.
At the first clinic visit, patients have a comprehensive evaluation of their bone health, including:
- Review medical history and prior fractures
- Blood work
- Bone density scan
- Discuss impact of lifestyle, exercise, physical therapy and fall prevention
At the second clinic visit, blood work and bone density scan results are reviewed and a treatment plan to support bone health and help prevent future fractures is established. Treatment can include lifestyle changes, vitamins, medications and ongoing screening.
Fractures can be a major life event, causing pain, hospital stays and lengthy recoveries, preventing you from carrying on with normal daily activities. The Osteoporosis Clinic is here to help prevent you from suffering future fractures.
The Osteoporosis Clinic is located in the Outpatient Care Center at UM BWMC and can be reached at:
255 Hospital Drive, Suite 207
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Phone: 410-553-8170