Osteoporosis Program

Our Team | Osteoporosis Clinic

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture. Bone strength reflects the integration of two main features: bone density and bone quality.

Normal Bone	Osteoporosis Bone

National Institutes of Health.
Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy. 2000.

Loss of bone can occur for many years without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, constant pain, lower self-esteem, decreased mobility and loss of independence. Seventy per cent of hip fractures are osteoporosis-related. Hip fractures result in death in up to 20 per cent of cases.

The Osteoporosis Program has 3 major components:

1. Interdisciplinary clinical service that provides diagnostic testing and exemplary patient care
2. Nationally and internationally recognized research program with global impact
3. Award-winning academic teaching program

Clinical Services:

• Bone Density and Body Composition Laboratory equipped with DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), considered the current gold standard test for osteoporosis
• Consultation with physicians specializing in a wide variety of disciplines
• Exercise classes designed to maintain bone mass, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls and fractures
• Nutritional counselling