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Throughout life, the human body undergoes various changes in organs and tissues, not excluding the musculoskeletal system.
It is known that the growth and development of bones in the human body is greatly influenced by the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium. In osteoporosis, their metabolism is disturbed. As a result of phosphorus and calcium deficiency, the bones lose their density and strength, and a brittle cellular structure is formed inside them.
As a result of this process, even the slightest awkward position of a particular body part can result in fracture and dislocation of the most fragile joint or bone.
Osteoporosis – the problem of all mankind, but women face it most often. During the hormonal restructuring of a woman’s body during pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, calcium is «washed out» from the bones and their strength decreases.
It is worth highlighting the main reasons that can provoke a decrease in calcium in the body:
- smoking;
- physical inactivity;
- sedentary work;
- use of hormonal drugs not as indicated;
- diseases of the endocrine system — thyroid, pancreas;
- malnutrition.
The problem of the disease is dealt with by orthopedic doctors. However, it should be noted that early therapy will reduce the risk of traumatization of the bony skeleton. Doctors start osteoporosis treatment in Germany long before the obvious symptoms of the disease, using modern methods of examination.
Signs of osteoporosis
The first signs of the disease can go unnoticed by the patient for a long time, only at the fact of a fracture, a person begins to think that, most likely, he has increased bone fragility.
If you experience the first symptoms listed below, you should seek medical attention:
- slouching;
- humping;
- a feeling of stiffness in the body, joints and legs;
- cramps in the legs, arms, both at night and during the day;
- splitting of the nails;
- chest pain;
- discomfort and heaviness in the interscapular area;
- muscle weakness;
- lower back and neck pain;
- decrease in a person’s height;
- curvature of the spinal column;
- frequent dislocations, subluxations.
Why is it so important to seek medical help in time?
In the neglected stage of the process, fractures of the vertebrae, femur and radius occur — this is the most frequent localization of disorders. Serious complications after trauma are pressure sores, pneumonia and respiratory disorders, muscle atrophy, thromboembolism, due to prolonged bed rest of the patient.
With age, the process of repair and regeneration of skeletal tissue also decreases, which should be taken into account when choosing the method of therapy and the duration of bed rest.
Diagnosis of osteoporosis in Germany
In German clinics, modern equipment allows detecting the initial signs of the disease, which greatly facilitates the subsequent therapy of the patient.
- The examination of patients with suspected osteoporosis begins with determining the level of hormones in the blood, as well as calcium and phosphorus, the level of which can be used to judge the initial changes in the musculoskeletal system.
- The most widely used technique in the diagnosis of the disease is the method of determining the level of bone density — absorptiometry, which is performed together with X-ray examination. The technique is similar in its performance to conventional X-rays, but this type of examination uses low energy rays.
- Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging help to identify disease and also recreate a three-dimensional image of the object under study. This makes it much easier to count the bone tubes, which helps in getting a more accurate picture of the bone condition. CT and MRI are the most modern methods of examination and are widely used in Western centers.
Treatment options for osteoporosis in German clinics
German doctors start osteoporosis therapy with the development of a special diet. When formulating the diet, the age-appropriate intake of trace elements and vitamins is taken into account. At the same time, it is necessary to make sure that with these elements at the same time do not come compounds that interfere with their absorption — magnesium, potassium and zinc. Properly selected nutrition ensures the intake of useful micronutrients.
If a gastrointestinal disease is detected during the examination of the patient, the appropriate treatment is carried out, because the absorption of all nutrients is disturbed.
Therapy of pathology includes increasing the patient’s physical activity. Excessive physical exercise is excluded. Preference is given to therapeutic exercise, swimming and yoga.
German experts say that physical therapy helps to strengthen the patient’s muscular corset, which prevents damage.
Drug therapy for the disease in Germany is carried out with three main types of drugs:
- Complex vitamin preparations, which should include all micronutrients;
- Medications that reduce the activity of osteoclasts, which break down bone, are prescribed. Bisphosphonates and strontium preparations are used. They accumulate in the bones and reduce the activity of osteoclasts, helping to strengthen the skeleton.
- Thyroid hormones and fluoride salt compounds effectively deal with osteoporosis in the elderly. Hormonal support is provided for women in menopause.
At a young age, bone health is supported by estrogens, which keep calcium in the body.
If osteoporosis has caused trauma, orthopedic doctors of renowned centers in Germany perform surgical correction of disorders, using high-precision equipment.
The type of surgery depends on the degree of damage and the age of the process. The most common type of surgery is endoprosthetic replacement of damaged joints, placing metal plates in the joints.
How much it costs to treat osteoporosis in Germany
| Type of operation | Cost | Period of stay |
| Hip joint therapy with minimally invasive techniques | 6 000-7 000 € | 4 days |
| Ankle bone augmentation | 9 000-10 900 € | 8 days |
| Bone cement implantation | 15 000-17 000 € | 5 days |
| Pelvic joint prosthetics | 19 000-21 000 € | 7 days |
| Prosthetic joints of the lower leg and foot | 15 000-19 000 € | 14 days |
| Prosthetic joints of the shoulder region | 16 000-17 000 € | 8 days |
| Prosthetics for radius fractures | 15 000-17 500 € | 18 days |
| Plate placement in femoral fractures | 18 000-19 000 € | 22 days |
| Post-traumatic fixation of the spine | 35 000-40 000 € | 56 days |
| Surgery for calcaneal fractures | 11 000-13 000 € | 7 days |
Conclusions
Patients who want to be examined for osteoporosis in German clinics often give up their idea because of the difficulty of choosing the right clinic, doctor and paperwork on their own.
The staff at «Clinics of Germany» will help arrange medical care for all patients in need of medical attention.
They will help you to choose a specialized medical center and professional doctors. They will help you to organize your flight, arrange documents and, if necessary, organize an extramural consultation with a doctor. The center provides a professional interpreter for the entire period of stay in Germany.
Maxim Sergeyevich Rykov, with ten years of experience in foreign health care, is the head of the German Clinics Center. Maxim Sergeyevich is a competent specialist in diagnostics and treatment of all kinds of pathologies in Germany. Applying to the center, the patient receives detailed information, invaluable help and support.