Abstract
Osteoporosis is the disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. As bones become more porous and fragile, the risk of fracture is greatly increased. Fractures are serious complications of osteoporosis and they may have socioeconomic consequences (at lumbar spine and hip bones). 117 patients were collected from King Fahad General Hospital in Al-Ahsa' and King Fahad University Hospital in Al-Khobar. For each patient DEXA scan was performed and a questionnaire was answered. Patients with either of the following abnormalities were excluded from the study. The diseases are: cancer, osteomalacia, osteomyelitis, benign tumors, Paget's disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, endocrinal disturbances and rheumatoid arthritis. 34 (29.1%) of our study sample experienced previous fracture during the last two years. Upper and lower limb fractures constitute 53% of the total fractures, spinal fracture was 23.5%. 41.5% of patients who had osteoporosis according to T-score of any region had fracture during the last two years. 40 - 50% of total patients classified as osteoporotic based on Tscore measured at any site had fracture. Patients with osteopenia at right and left hips (42% and 41% respectively) had fracture during the last two years. BMD is a good predictor for future fractures. Individuals with osteoporosis based on right hip T-score are expected to develop fracture at upper limb while individuals with osteoporosis based on spine T-score are expected to develop fracture at upper limb and ribs.