Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis specialists in Duke’s nationally recognized endocrinology program combine the latest medications with nutritional support and physical therapy to stop or slow bone loss. We have a wide range of experience treating people at high-risk for osteoporosis, including post-organ transplant patients and breast cancer survivors, who require a medical team that understands their unique needs.
Comprehensive osteoporosis care in North Carolina
There is no cure for osteoporosis, but the right osteoporosis treatment plan tailored to your age, gender and unique health needs, can prevent injuries and even halt the disease’s progression. Our doctors carefully evaluate the causes and severity of your bone loss, which helps us choose the most effective treatment for you. Our team includes physical therapists and nutritionists who work with you to develop an exercise program and calcium-rich diet.
Choose Duke for your osteoporosis treatment because we offer:
- Doctors read your bone density results. At many facilities, a technologist performs your bone density test and a radiologist flags any abnormal numbers a few days later. Here, the physician overseeing your treatment will work with the radiologist to interpret your bone density test results. This leads to a more informed and accurate diagnosis.
- Latest treatment options. We offer the newest treatment for osteoporosis, including Reclast IV infusion and Prolia injections. If you are eligible, this annual injection replaces daily pills and reduces the associated side effects.
- Expertise with high-risk patients. We specialize in treating the unique health needs of patients who have bone loss or develop osteoporosis after an organ transplant surgery or breast cancer. We also see a high number of male patients with risk factors such as liver disease.
- Highly specialized team. Our collective expertise allows us to develop the most effective osteoporosis treatment for you. All of our doctors are board-certified endocrinologists. Our team also includes doctors certified in geriatric medicine and clinical densitometry, which is the study of bone health.
- Breakthrough research. We are shaping the future of osteoporosis treatment through our research work and clinical trial program -- in which you may participate. Duke researchers led the clinical trial on Reclast, and helped to discover that it prevents fractures and prolongs life expectancy in elderly patients.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Treatments
There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are several osteoporosis treatment approaches that can manage your symptoms, slow or stop the disease’s progress, and even improve bone density.
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Bisphosphonates are oral medications taken daily, weekly or monthly to slow or stop bone loss, and even rebuild bone. We prescribe the most effective osteoporosis treatment option for you.
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If you experience severe digestive difficulty from daily medications, you may be eligible for a single, yearly intravenous injection of zoledronic acid called Reclast. We are one of the few treatment centers that offer Reclast IV Infusion treatments. Daily calcium and vitamin D supplements are required with this treatment.
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Our physical therapists teach you strength training and balance exercises that strengthen your bones and prevent injuries. Good posture, muscle strength, flexibility and balance can prevent falls and fractures.
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We work with you to ensure you follow a diet high in calcium. Vitamin D supplements are also necessary.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Tests
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A low-dose X-ray technique that measures the amount of bone present in different parts of your skeleton.
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Blood and/or urine tests check for abnormal hormone levels that may indicate bone loss or bone disease.