Fracture Care Clinic (Osteoporosis Care)

Osteoporosis primarily affects adults over 50, with postmenopausal women being at the highest risk. After age 50, the body’s ability to produce new bone slows, while the rate of bone loss increases. For women, this process accelerates significantly following menopause, as estrogen levels drop. Estrogen is a critical hormone for maintaining bone density, and its decline not only contributes to common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes but also raises the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

Known as a “silent disease,” osteoporosis progresses without noticeable symptoms. Most people remain unaware of their condition until it results in a fracture. At Ochsner Health’s Fracture Care Clinic, individuals over the age of 50 who have experienced a fracture may be evaluated for underlying bone loss or osteoporosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential steps in reducing the risk of future fractures and fostering long-term bone health.

If your doctor refers you to the Fracture Care Clinic at Ochsner Health, our team will promptly guide you through the next steps for diagnosis and care. During your first visit, you will meet a certified physician assistant who specializes in orthopedic care. They will take time to understand your health history, evaluate your risk factors for osteoporosis, and recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work or a DEXA scan, an advanced imaging tool that measures bone density with precision.

Our team’s goal is to empower you with lifestyle strategies, including exercises and nutritional guidance, to strengthen your bones. Should you need additional support, we work seamlessly with specialists across endocrinology, primary care, rheumatology, physical therapy and more. Rest assured, at Ochsner Health, we’re committed to helping you reclaim your strength and health every step of the way.

In addition to lifestyle changes that support bone health, several medication options are available to treat osteoporosis. Some osteoporosis medications are taken orally, while others are administered by injection in a medical setting.

Common types of medications used to treat osteoporosis include:

• Bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid, which slow the rate of bone loss

• Estrogen therapy to help maintain bone density in postmenopausal women

• Hormone therapy to support overall bone health

• Parathyroid hormone analogs and related protein analogs, such as abaloparatide, which help stimulate new bone growth and improve bone mass

Additional medications may be prescribed based on your individual needs to either increase bone strength or reduce the speed of further bone loss.

Once your osteoporosis treatment begins, the Fracture Care Clinic team will monitor your progress for six months to a year. After that, your care may be transitioned back to your primary care physician or endocrinologist for long-term management.

Smoking harms many aspects of your overall health, including bone health. Smoking interferes with the body’s ability to make bone and absorb calcium.

Being physically active may reduce your risk of falling, but some types of exercise can be detrimental to bone health. These include high-impact activities, such as running and sports that involve jumping. Instead, devote your workouts to strength training and low-impact aerobic activities, such as walking and swimming.

If a loved one has osteoporosis, you can support their health by exercising together, encouraging them to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, and helping them remember to take their medications.