【Common Diseases】Osteoporosis
A Complete Guide to Osteoporosis Treatment in Hong Kong | Medication, Nutrition, Exercise, and Fall Prevention
Hello everyone, today I'd like to discuss osteoporosis , a disease that's often overlooked but actually poses a significant health threat to Hong Kong's elderly. According to the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Society, approximately one in three women over 50 and one in five men suffer from the condition. The greatest danger of osteoporosis isn't just bone brittleness, but the complications that follow fractures , including disability, prolonged bed rest, and even an increased risk of death.
Many people think osteoporosis is a "natural part of aging," but early detection, medication, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of fractures. We've compiled a comprehensive guide to treatment options, drawing on information from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA), the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Society, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone density decreases and bone tissue degenerates, leading to fragile bones and easy fractures. Common fracture locations include:
- Hip fracture
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Wrist fracture
Osteoporosis is classified as:
- Primary (related to age or hormonal changes, such as postmenopause in women)
- Secondary (caused by other diseases or drugs, such as long-term steroid use, hyperthyroidism, etc.)
High-risk groups for osteoporosis in Hong Kong
- Postmenopausal women
- Elderly people aged 65 and above
- A family history of fractures
- Long-term lack of exercise and sun exposure
- Being underweight (BMI < 19)
- Long-term smoking or alcohol abuse
- Long-term use of steroid medications
Principles of osteoporosis treatment
According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and international medical guidelines, treatment goals include:
- Reduce bone loss
- Increase bone density
- Preventing fractures
- Improve mobility and quality of life
Treatment is generally divided into four areas: medication , nutritional supplements , exercise programs , and fall prevention measures .
1. Drug treatment (commonly used in Hong Kong)
The choice of drug is determined based on the patient's age, gender, bone density examination (DXA), and fracture risk assessment (FRAX).
Anti-bone resorption drugs
-
Bisphosphonates
Examples: Alendronate (oral), Zoledronic acid (intravenous)
Function : Inhibit osteoclast activity and reduce bone loss
Hong Kong : Widely used in both public and private healthcare. Some patients require intravenous injection to reduce gastric side effects. -
Denosumab (monoclonal antibody, given subcutaneously every six months)
Advantages : convenient, suitable for those with poor kidney function
Note : Bone loss is rapid after discontinuation of medication, and other treatments are required.
Bone formation-promoting drugs
-
Teriparatide
Function : Stimulates osteoblasts to generate new bone
Applicable : Patients with extremely high fracture risk or ineffective with other drugs
Hong Kong : Private healthcare is more commonly used and more expensive
other
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) : such as Raloxifene, suitable for postmenopausal women
- Hormone therapy (HRT) : Suitable for young postmenopausal women, taking into account both bone health and menopausal symptoms
2. Nutritional supplements
-
Calcium : Recommended daily intake for adults: 1000–1200 mg (diet + supplements)
Common food sources in Hong Kong: low-fat milk, cheese, tofu, dark green vegetables - Vitamin D : helps calcium absorption. Sources: Sun exposure (short-term in the morning or afternoon), fish, egg yolks, and supplements. The Hospital Authority recommends that high-risk individuals have their blood vitamin D levels checked.
- Protein : Maintains muscle strength and reduces the risk of falls
3. Exercise Plan
- Weight-bearing exercises: walking, jogging, jumping rope
- Resistance training : elastic bands, dumbbells
- Balance training : Tai Chi, yoga, reduce falls
- Some physiotherapy departments in Hong Kong offer "fall prevention exercise classes" and the elderly can sign up through community centers.
4. Fall prevention measures
- Home safety: remove loose carpets, install handrails, and non-slip mats
- Eye exam: Make sure your glasses are the right prescription
- Wear non-slip shoes
- Avoid medications that can easily cause dizziness (such as some sleeping pills) or have your doctor adjust the dosage
Overview of Hong Kong Treatment Process
- Bone density test (DXA): Public hospitals require a doctor's referral, private clinics can pay for it themselves
- Fracture risk assessment (FRAX tool)
- Develop a personalized plan : medication + nutrition + exercise
- Regular follow-up : bone density test every 1–2 years
Editor's warm summary
Osteoporosis isn't a problem that can be solved simply by "drinking more milk"; it's a chronic condition that requires long-term management. In Hong Kong, public hospitals prioritize medication for patients at high risk of fracture, along with physical therapy and nutritional guidance. Private healthcare offers greater flexibility in selecting new medications and injections. We remind everyone that preventing falls is more important than simply increasing bone density, as fractures, especially hip fractures, can have permanent impacts on the lives of older adults.
This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles
