Goa gets its first machine to test bone density

PANAJI: A rise in the number of patients, especially women, suffering from bone-related diseases has prompted the orthopaedic department of the Goa Medical College (GMC) and hospital to make plans to buy a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Dexa) or bone densitometry costing Rs 60 lakh. It will be the state’s first such machine.

Head of the orthopaedic department, Dr S M Bandekar said, “Women who are in their post-menopausal stage face higher risk of getting osteoporosis than others. Women who have undergone hysterectomy are also exposed to the danger of bone-related disease.”

Bandekar said at every out-patient department (OPD) they see at least nine to 10 osteoporosis patients, with majority being women below 50 years of age.

“The trend has been observed for a decade or so, and among women who do not do any physical activity,” said Bandekar.

As none of the hospitals in the state currently have a Dexa machine, people are forced to visit hospitals outside Goa if they want to accurately measure their bone loss. Specific studies about osteoporosis are not available in Goa, Bandekar said.

He added that a few cases have come to light of women suffering from osteoporosis at a younger age, much before they hit the menopausal stage, which is not a good sign.

While a few years ago, Bandekar said, one could not do much medically once a person was afflicted with osteoporosis, newer drugs available in the market are quite effective in arresting further bone loss.

With early diagnosis, those above 45 years can benefit with medicines and a combination of the right exercise regime and diet. Most importantly, by the right intake of calcium.

A government doctor posted in rural Goa said women are generally careless about their health and will not see a doctor unless they suspect the illness is major or has become unbearable.

“Overall, as in other parts of the country, there is general ignorance about osteoporosis in Goa among women, including educated ones,” the government doctor said.

If calcium supplements as well as other medicines are prescribed to a woman patient in whom bone weakening is suspected, the doctor said, “Very few will religiously take the medicines prescribed. Others realise the seriousness once they started getting bone fractures.”

The Weak Link

Osteoporosis is the disease of the bone or a condition of weakening bones caused due to decrease in calcium concentration per square unit of the bone with deficient matrix.

Those suffering from asthma and taking steroids are more susceptible to osteoporosis

Such patients should compulsorily take calcium supplements

Women who undergo hysterectomy before the age of 40-45 also face the risk of osteoporosis

Once osteoporosis sets in, the person is likely to fracture the hip, wrists or vertebra