The physicians at the Santa Monica-UCLA Osteoporosis Center specialize in optimizing bone health and preventing fractures through education and lifestyle modification. Although it is difficult to restore lost bone, early recognition and reduction of risk factors can slow bone loss before fractures occur. Medications are necessary in some cases to increase bone density and prevent fractures. The physicians at the Center individualize treatment programs tailored to each patient's need. Physicians counsel patients and manage bone health concerns ranging from adolescence through the geriatric years.
Diagnostic Services
Bone Density Assessment Bone mineral density (BMD) analysis of the spine and hip with state-of-the-art dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) delivers far less radiation to the body organs than does a typical chest x-ray and has excellent precision. The test takes about 10 minutes to complete. In some instances, physicians may request a forearm or whole body DXA . The Center has certified bone-density technicians who have special training in precise bone-density assessments.
Community physicians can order a DXA through the Center for their own review, or they can request a same-day consult and interpretation of the DXA by one of our osteoporosis and metabolic-bone-disease physician specialists. The osteoporosis specialist consult includes an assessment of patient history and risk factors, along with personal counseling and treatment recommendations.
As appropriate, laboratory tests may be ordered to help identify cause(s) of low bone density and/or poor bone quality that may be related to diet, metabolism, genetics and/or medication.
Education and Referrals
UCLA physicians provide recommendations to the patient and/or referring physician and schedule follow up appointments as needed. They also provide physical therapy, nutrition and psychology referrals when indicated. Education and informative materials about osteoporosis, calcium, vitamin D, and exercise and fall prevention are provided. The physicians at the Santa Monica-UCLA Osteoporosis Center offer patients individual counseling for minimizing personal risk factors through lifestyle changes.
Because exercise helps to build the body's bone mass reserve during developmental years and helps maintain bone strength in later years, the physicians assist with individualized recommendations for an exercise program and provide referrals to physical therapists with expertise in osteoporosis.
Prevention and Treatment
Osteoporosis is not a normal or inevitable part of aging. It is a disease that can be prevented and treated. The Santa Monica-UCLA Osteoporosis Center provides a full range of specialized treatment for osteoporosis that is individualized to patient needs.
Physicians review regular medications to determine if they contribute to osteoporosis and whether alternatives are appropriate. Patients are provided with guidelines for levels of exercise, calcium, vitamin D, and appropriate lifestyle changes.
The following prescription medications are available and approved by the FDA for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis in adult patients. These medications have been shown to improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Medications
VIDEO: Click above to watch An estimated 44 million people in the United States, and more than half the population over age 50, have osteoporosis or its precursor, osteopenia. Read more
Anti-Resorptive Agents:
Bisphosphonates
Actonel (Risedronate)
Boniva (Ibandronate)
Fosamax (Alendronate)
Reclast (Zoledronic acid)
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Calcitonin
Miacalcin - nasal spray
Calcitonin - injectable
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Evista (Raloxifene)
Bone Formation Agents:
Forteo (Teriperatide - Parathyroid Hormone)
Physicians discuss the benefits and risks of all medications with each patient.
At the Santa Monica-UCLA Osteoporosis Center, additional medications may be prescribed to optimize bone health, depending on patient needs. Specific recommendations for calcium and vitamin D are reviewed with each patient. Doses may vary, depending on the patient's age, personal profile and special needs.
Medications not fully released by the FDA and other drugs in early stages of development may also be available through supervised clinical trials.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA 1245 16th Street, Suite 202 Santa Monica, CA 90404
