Orthopaedics · Jaipur Hospital
Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease in Jaipur
Silent bone loss worries you. We assess your risk and give a clear plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Consultation length
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Anaesthesia
- Not needed
- Recovery
- Ongoing monitoring with DEXA scans
- Price
- ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 (consultation + basic workup)typical range in India; ask us for an estimate
Bones weaken without warning
You feel fine until a minor fall breaks a bone
Osteoporosis has no symptoms until a fracture happens. A fall from standing height can break a hip, spine, or wrist. Many people do not know they are at risk until it is too late.
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Silent disease
No pain or signs appear before the first fracture.
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Common fracture sites
Hip, spine, and wrist break most often from minor falls.
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High repeat risk
One fracture makes the next one much more likely.
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Life changes after fracture
Many lose independence or need long-term care after a hip fracture.
Bone loss accelerates to 1 to 2 percent per year in the first 5 to 7 years after menopause.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You worry a simple fall could take away your independence and leave your family to manage the cost and care.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Book an OPD consultation with our orthopaedic team
- 2 Get a DEXA scan and blood tests done in-house
- 3 Review your fracture risk and treatment options together
- 4 Start medication and schedule repeat DEXA scans every two years
How we diagnose and manage bone loss
We measure bone density with a DEXA scan, check calcium and vitamin D levels, calculate your 10-year fracture risk, and choose a medicine that fits your health profile.
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DEXA Scan
Gold-standard test that measures bone density at the hip and spine in about 30 minutes.
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Oral Bisphosphonates
Weekly or monthly tablets that slow bone loss; first-line choice for many patients.
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Denosumab Injection
Six-monthly injection under the skin for people at high fracture risk or who cannot take tablets.
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Teriparatide Therapy
Daily injection that builds new bone; used for severe osteoporosis for up to 24 months.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 5 Orthopaedics consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
What studies show about osteoporosis care
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1 in 3 women over 50
Will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime worldwide.
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1 in 5 men over 50
Will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime worldwide.
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20 percent excess mortality
Hip fracture patients face 8 to 36 percent higher death risk within one year.
If it is left untreated
Without treatment, bone loss continues silently. Each fracture raises the risk of the next one. Hip fractures carry an 8 to 36 percent higher death risk in the first year, and only 40 percent of people regain their previous independence.
Life with stronger bones
Most people stay active, keep their independence, and lower their chance of another fracture with regular monitoring and the right medicine.
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Fewer fractures
Medication and fall prevention lower the risk of hip, spine, and wrist breaks.
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Stay independent
Most people keep doing daily tasks and hobbies without needing long-term care.
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Simple routine
A tablet once a week or an injection every six months fits into normal life.
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Track progress
Repeat DEXA scans every two years show if bones are stable or improving.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease
Which problems are assessed under osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, the osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease service assesses bone loss, mineral disorders, and fracture risk. This includes primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and older men, secondary osteoporosis from medical conditions or medicines, and disorders like osteomalacia from defective bone mineralisation.
In detail
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition marked by reduced bone mass and disrupted bone architecture, leading to increased fragility and fracture risk. The service evaluates primary types such as postmenopausal (type I) and age-related senile (type II) osteoporosis.
Secondary causes include endocrine disorders like hyperparathyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, gastrointestinal conditions such as coeliac disease and malabsorption, rheumatologic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and medications including glucocorticoids. Vitamin D deficiency and low dietary calcium, widely prevalent in India, are also assessed.
Diagnosis relies on DEXA scan T-scores, with osteoporosis defined as a T-score of -2.5 or lower at the hip or spine.
A common belief
Many people think osteoporosis is only about low calcium or old age.
What actually happens
In reality, it can stem from thyroid problems, steroid use, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe vitamin D deficiency, which is very common in India. A DEXA scan and targeted blood tests are needed to find the exact cause.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will review your medical history, risk factors, and any prior fractures during a 20 to 30 minute outpatient consultation. Basic workup typically includes a DEXA scan and blood tests for calcium, vitamin D, and bone turnover markers. The typical price range for consultation and basic workup is ₹1,500 to ₹5,000.
How will the doctor decide which tests I need?
In short
The doctor selects tests based on your age, sex, fracture history, medications, and clinical risk factors. Jaipur Hospital follows guideline-based algorithms that combine history, examination and fracture risk tools to target investigations.
In detail
Guidelines recommend DEXA scanning for women over 65, men over 70, and younger postmenopausal women or men over 50 with risk factors such as prior fracture, glucocorticoid use, low body weight, smoking, or secondary causes.
Vertebral imaging is advised for height loss over 4 cm, kyphosis, or long-term steroid therapy. Blood tests include calcium, vitamin D, thyroid function, and full blood count; additional tests like electrophoresis or prolactin are ordered if secondary osteoporosis is suspected. The FRAX tool may be used to estimate 10-year fracture probability with or without BMD values.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Expect a DEXA scan taking about 30 minutes and blood tests drawn during the same visit. The combined consultation and basic workup typically costs ₹1,500 to ₹5,000. Results guide whether lifestyle change, medication or further evaluation is needed.
How soon should I expect improvement after the chosen treatment for osteoporosis?
In short
Improvement in bone density is gradual and measured over years, not weeks. Jaipur Hospital follows guidelines that recommend a repeat DEXA scan one to two years after starting medical therapy and then every two years. You will not feel your bones getting stronger; the goal is to reduce fracture risk over the long term.
In detail
Osteoporosis medications such as oral bisphosphonates, denosumab injections or teriparatide work by slowing bone loss or building new bone. Clinical studies show that significant changes in bone mineral density typically appear after 12 to 24 months of consistent treatment.
Biochemical markers of bone turnover may change within three to six months and can be used as an early monitoring tool. Pain from existing fractures improves as the fracture heals, usually over six to twelve weeks, but the underlying bone strength improves slowly.
Adherence to medication, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise and fall prevention all contribute to the overall outcome.
A common belief
Patients often expect to feel stronger within weeks.
What actually happens
Medicines work silently at the cellular level. The real measure of success is fewer fractures years later, not a daily sensation.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Continue your prescribed medication and supplements daily. Attend follow-up OPD visits as scheduled, typically at three months, one year and then every one to two years for DEXA monitoring. Report any new back pain or falls promptly.
What do my bone density result and fracture-risk score mean?
In short
Your DEXA scan gives a T-score comparing your bone density to a healthy young adult. Jaipur Hospital uses the T-score at the hip or spine to diagnose osteoporosis: -1.0 or above is normal, -1.1 to -2.4 is osteopenia, -2.5 or below is osteoporosis. The FRAX tool combines your T-score with age, sex, fracture history and other factors to estimate your 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture or hip fracture.
In detail
A T-score of -2.5 or lower at the femoral neck, total hip or lumbar spine confirms osteoporosis. A Z-score below -2.0 is used for younger adults and children and suggests secondary causes.
FRAX calculates a 10-year fracture probability; treatment is generally recommended when the 10-year hip fracture risk is 3% or more, or major osteoporotic fracture risk is 20% or more.
Vertebral imaging is advised if you have height loss over 4 cm, kyphosis, long-term glucocorticoid use or a T-score of -2.5 or lower. Biochemical markers such as PINP and CTX may add information when BMD is borderline.
Your doctor will explain whether your score places you in a low, intermediate or high-risk category and what that means for treatment choices.
A common belief
Patients often focus only on the T-score.
What actually happens
FRAX gives the real clinical picture because two people with the same T-score can have very different fracture risks based on age, previous fractures and steroids.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Ask your doctor to explain your T-score, Z-score and FRAX percentages in plain language. Keep a copy of your DEXA report for future comparison. Repeat DEXA in one to two years after starting treatment, then every two years.
How can I decide whether to seek advice about DEXA bone density testing?
In short
You should consider DEXA bone density testing at Jaipur Hospital if you are a woman aged 65 or older, a man aged 70 or older, or if you are younger with risk factors such as a previous low-trauma fracture, long-term steroid use, early menopause, low body weight, or a family history of hip fracture. The test is quick, uses very low radiation, and gives a T-score that guides treatment decisions.
In detail
Guidelines recommend BMD testing for all women 65 and older and men 70 and older.
Postmenopausal women and men 50 and older with a prior adult fracture, height loss of more than 4 cm, kyphosis, or glucocorticoid therapy for three months or more should also be tested.
FRAX risk calculators combine clinical factors with or without a DEXA result to estimate 10-year fracture probability. A T-score of -2.5 or lower confirms osteoporosis; -1.1 to -2.4 indicates osteopenia. The scan takes about 30 minutes as an outpatient.
A common belief
Many wait for a fracture before testing, but early detection lets treatment start before bones break.
What actually happens
FRAX tools can estimate risk even without a scan, but DEXA gives the precise T-score needed for therapy decisions.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Check your age and risk factors against the list above. If you meet any criterion, call Jaipur Hospital to schedule a DEXA scan. Bring a list of current medicines and supplements. Avoid calcium tablets for 24 hours before the test. Results are usually available the same day.
How will osteoporosis treatment affect my walking, movement, or independence?
In short
Osteoporosis treatment aims to preserve walking, movement, and independence by preventing fractures that cause disability. At Jaipur Hospital, the consultant explains that effective therapy lowers fracture risk, which is the main threat to mobility. Most drugs have no direct effect on walking ability; side effects are uncommon and monitored.
In detail
Hip fractures lead to loss of independence in 60% of patients and 20% need long-term care. Vertebral fractures increase future fracture risk 2-5 fold. By reducing fracture incidence, treatment protects mobility. Bisphosphonates, denosumab, and teriparatide do not impair muscle or nerve function.
Rare side effects like atypical femur fracture or osteonecrosis of jaw are monitored but do not limit daily activity for most patients. Physiotherapy and fall prevention complement drug therapy to maintain independence.
A common belief
Some patients fear drug side effects will limit them.
What actually happens
In reality, hip fractures cause far more disability than medication risks. Staying on therapy and doing balance exercises keeps you walking longer.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Report any new thigh or groin pain during treatment promptly. Continue prescribed weight-bearing exercise and balance work. Attend follow-up DEXA scans every 1-2 years.
Which symptoms should prompt me to see a specialist?
In short
Osteoporosis is often silent until a fracture occurs, so you should see a specialist at Jaipur Hospital if you have had a low-trauma fracture after age 50, notice height loss of more than 4 centimetres, develop a stooped posture, or have risk factors such as early menopause, long-term steroid use, or a family history of hip fracture.
In detail
Osteoporosis has no clinical manifestations until a fracture happens. Typical fragility fractures occur at the hip, spine, and wrist from minimal trauma like a fall from standing height. Vertebral fractures may be silent or cause back pain, height loss, and kyphosis.
Guidelines recommend evaluation for all women aged 65 and older and men aged 70 and older.
Earlier assessment is advised for postmenopausal women and men over 50 with risk factors: prior fracture, low body weight, parental hip fracture, glucocorticoid therapy, smoking, or alcohol intake of three or more units daily. Indian data show widespread low calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency across all age groups.
A common belief
Many people wait for back pain or a broken bone before seeking help.
What actually happens
But by then, bone loss is often advanced. Guidelines recommend screening for all women over 65 and men over 70, and earlier for anyone with risk factors. In India, low calcium intake and vitamin D deficiency are widespread, so even younger adults may need assessment.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you recognise any of these signs or risk factors, schedule a 20 to 30 minute outpatient consultation. The doctor will assess your fracture risk using clinical history and may order a DEXA scan. The typical price range for consultation and basic workup is ₹1,500 to ₹5,000.
How will the results change my care plan?
In short
Results from DEXA scans, vertebral imaging, and blood tests directly shape your care plan at Jaipur Hospital. A T-score of -2.5 or lower at the hip or spine confirms osteoporosis and usually leads to pharmacologic treatment. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 (osteopenia) combined with a high FRAX fracture probability also triggers treatment. Vertebral fractures on imaging indicate treatment regardless of bone density. Blood test abnormalities guide correction of secondary causes like vitamin D deficiency or thyroid disease.
In detail
Treatment decisions follow evidence-based thresholds.
Pharmacologic therapy is initiated for hip or vertebral fractures (clinical or asymptomatic), T-scores ≤ -2.5 at femoral neck, total hip, or lumbar spine, or osteopenia with ten-year hip fracture probability ≥ 3 percent or major osteoporotic fracture probability ≥ 20 percent by FRAX.
Women over sixty-five with prior fragility fracture may be treated without further assessment. First-line options include oral bisphosphonates (weekly or monthly tablets), denosumab (six-monthly subcutaneous injection for high risk), and teriparatide (daily anabolic injection for severe osteoporosis).
Intravenous bisphosphonates or denosumab are alternatives for those intolerant to oral bisphosphonates. Treatment is reviewed after three to five years for bisphosphonates. Denosumab discontinuation requires transition to an antiresorptive to prevent rebound vertebral fractures. Biochemical markers may be repeated to confirm treatment effect.
Repeat DEXA scanning is typically performed one to two years after starting therapy and every two years thereafter, with longer intervals for stable patients without major risk factors.
A common belief
Many people think osteopenia always needs medicine, but it only does if your FRAX risk is high.
What actually happens
Also, stopping denosumab without switching to another drug causes a rebound fracture risk — so the care plan includes clear rules for treatment holidays and transitions, not just starting pills.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your specialist will explain what your results mean and discuss treatment options, duration, and monitoring schedule. Lifestyle measures including adequate calcium, vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention are part of every plan. The typical consultation and basic workup range is ₹1,500 to ₹5,000. Ongoing monitoring with repeat DEXA scans guides long-term decisions.
What should I do if symptoms persist or worsen during osteoporosis treatment?
In short
Osteoporosis itself has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. If you develop new back pain, height loss, a change in posture or sustain a fall, contact Jaipur Hospital promptly. These may indicate a new fragility fracture or progression of bone loss that needs reassessment and possible adjustment of your treatment plan.
In detail
Guidelines recommend reassessing fracture risk after any new fracture regardless of when it occurs. Persistent or worsening back pain can signal a new vertebral fracture, which may be silent or cause only mild discomfort.
Height loss of more than two centimetres or increasing kyphosis also warrants vertebral imaging. If you experience side effects from medication such as severe heartburn with oral bisphosphonates, jaw pain or unusual thigh pain, inform your doctor immediately.
Do not stop prescribed medication without advice, as stopping denosumab, for example, is associated with a rebound increase in vertebral fracture risk. Blood tests for calcium, vitamin D and bone turnover markers may be repeated to guide decisions.
A common belief
People often dismiss back pain as ageing.
What actually happens
In osteoporosis, it can be a silent vertebral fracture. Stopping medicine on your own, especially denosumab, can actually raise fracture risk quickly.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Keep a record of any new pain, falls or height changes. Attend your scheduled OPD reviews and DEXA scans. If you notice any warning signs, call the hospital for an earlier appointment.
Can osteoporosis be present without symptoms?
In short
Yes, osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because it has no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Jaipur Hospital screens at-risk individuals with DEXA scans to detect bone loss early. You may not know you have osteoporosis until a minor fall causes a broken wrist, hip or vertebra.
In detail
Evidence confirms that osteoporosis has no clinical manifestations prior to fracture. Vertebral fractures can be asymptomatic or cause only mild back pain and gradual height loss. The first sign may be a fragility fracture from a fall from standing height or less.
Risk factors such as age over 65 for women, age over 70 for men, previous fracture, parental hip fracture, glucocorticoid use, smoking, low body weight and certain medical conditions prompt screening. Early diagnosis through DEXA allows treatment to start before a fracture happens, reducing future fracture risk significantly.
A common belief
The common belief is that bone loss causes aches or pains.
What actually happens
It does not. Waiting for symptoms means waiting for a fracture. Screening with DEXA finds it early when treatment works well.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you are a woman over 65, a man over 70, or have any risk factor, ask for a DEXA scan even if you feel well. Do not wait for pain or a fracture. Repeat scanning every one to two years if on treatment.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease
When you contact us
Get your bone health plan
Contact Jaipur Hospital for an OPD consultation, in-house DEXA scan, and a clear treatment plan with a cost estimate.
- A consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease: what to know
What osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease is
- Peak bone mass
- Reached by mid-twenties
- After peak
- Bone loss slowly overtakes formation
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and break more easily. It happens when the body removes old bone faster than it builds new bone. Over time, this makes bones less dense and more fragile. The disease is often called silent because there are no signs until a fracture occurs.
Bone is living tissue that is always being renewed. During childhood and early adult life, new bone is made faster than old bone is removed. This builds peak bone mass, usually reached by the mid-twenties. After that, bone loss slowly overtakes bone formation.
In women, bone loss speeds up after menopause because oestrogen levels fall. In the first five to seven years after menopause, bone can be lost at a rate of one to two percent per year. Men also lose bone with age, but more gradually.
A fragility fracture is a break that happens from a minor fall or even normal activities like bending or lifting. The most common sites are the hip, spine and wrist.
Osteoporosis is a long-term condition that needs ongoing care.
Symptoms and warning signs that need urgent care the same day
- Sudden severe back pain
- Cannot walk or bear weight
- Visible deformity
- New leg numbness or weakness
Osteoporosis itself has no symptoms. Most people do not know they have it until a bone breaks.
A fracture is the first sign for many.
Common fractures include:
- A broken wrist from a simple fall
- A hip fracture from a fall at standing height
- A spine fracture that may cause sudden back pain, loss of height, or a stooped posture
Some spine fractures are silent and only found on an X-ray done for another reason.
Seek medical care the same day if you have:
- Sudden, severe back pain after a minor fall or no injury
- Inability to put weight on a leg or walk after a fall
- A visible deformity in the wrist, hip or spine
- New numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
These may mean a fracture that needs urgent assessment. Hip fractures in particular are linked to higher mortality and loss of independence.
Causes and who is at higher risk
- Cannot change
- Age, sex, family history, ethnicity
- Lifestyle and health
- Low calcium, low vitamin D, smoking, alcohol, inactivity, steroids
- Medical conditions
- Thyroid, diabetes, arthritis, coeliac, bowel disease, blood disorders
Bone loss happens when bone removal outpaces bone formation. This imbalance increases with age and after menopause.
Risk factors you cannot change include older age, female sex, family history of hip fracture, and being of Asian or Caucasian background. Asian Indians tend to have lower peak bone mass than Caucasians.
Risk factors linked to lifestyle and health include:
- Low calcium intake; many postmenopausal women in India consume less than 400 mg per day
- Vitamin D deficiency, which is widespread across all age groups in India
- Low body weight or excessive thinness
- Smoking and alcohol intake of three or more units daily
- Lack of weight-bearing exercise
- Long-term use of steroid tablets (glucocorticoids)
Certain medical conditions also raise risk. These include thyroid disorders, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and some blood disorders.
A previous fragility fracture after age 50 strongly increases the chance of another fracture.
Falls are a major reason fractures happen. Poor balance, muscle weakness (sarcopenia), and certain medicines increase fall risk.
How osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease is diagnosed: examination and tests
- History and height check Medical history, medicines, diet, lifestyle; height measured each year
- DEXA scan Outpatient scan of hip and spine, about 30 minutes, very low radiation
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, any previous fractures, family history, medicines, diet, and lifestyle. Height is measured each year to check for height loss, which can signal a spine fracture.
The main test is a DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). It measures bone mineral density at the hip and spine. The scan is an outpatient test that takes about 30 minutes. You lie on a padded table while a scanner passes over you. It uses a very low dose of radiation. There are no needles or injections.
Results are given as a T-score. This compares your bone density to a healthy young adult of the same sex. A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal. Between -1.1 and -2.4 means low bone mass (osteopenia). -2.5 or below means osteoporosis.
A Z-score compares your bone density to people of your own age and sex. It is used mainly in children, premenopausal women, and men under 50.
Blood tests are often done to check:
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Thyroid function
- Kidney and liver function
- Blood counts
These help find secondary causes of bone loss.
Your doctor may use a tool called FRAX to estimate your 10-year risk of a major fracture. It combines your DEXA result with age, sex, weight, fracture history, family history, smoking, alcohol, steroid use, and other conditions.
Spine imaging (X-ray or vertebral fracture assessment) may be advised if you have lost height, have a stooped posture, have back pain, or have been on long-term steroids.
Repeat DEXA scans are usually done every one to two years after starting treatment, then every two years. The interval may be longer if your initial score was normal or only mildly low and you have no major risk factors.
Treatment options without surgery, and when surgery is advised
Treatment aims to slow bone loss, build bone strength, and prevent fractures. The plan depends on your fracture risk, age, sex, and other health conditions. Your surgeon will advise which option suits you.
Lifestyle measures are the foundation for everyone:
- Adequate calcium through diet (milk, curd, paneer, green leafy vegetables) and supplements if needed
- Vitamin D supplements to correct deficiency
- Weight-bearing exercise such as walking, and muscle-strengthening exercises
- Fall prevention: good lighting, grab bars, non-slip mats, reviewing medicines that cause dizziness
- Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol
Medicines are started when fracture risk is high. Common options include:
- Oral bisphosphonates (weekly or monthly tablets). These are usually the first choice. They slow bone loss.
- Denosumab (a six-monthly injection under the skin) for people at high risk or who cannot take bisphosphonates.
- Teriparatide (a daily injection for up to 18 to 24 months) for severe osteoporosis with very high fracture risk. It helps build new bone.
- Other options such as raloxifene or hormone therapy may be considered in certain women.
Treatment is reviewed after three to five years for bisphosphonates. A drug holiday may be considered if risk has lowered. Denosumab should not be stopped without switching to another medicine, as stopping can cause a rapid rebound in spine fractures.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are usually continued alongside any medicine.
Surgery is not a treatment for osteoporosis itself. Surgery is needed to fix a broken bone, for example, a hip fracture repair or a procedure for a painful spine fracture (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty). Your orthopaedic team will discuss this if a fracture occurs.
Ongoing monitoring with DEXA scans and clinic reviews is part of long-term care.
Preparing for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease treatment at Jaipur Hospital
Do
- Wear loose clothing without metal
- Bring list of all medicines
- Carry recent blood reports
- Bring previous DEXA or X-ray films
Avoid
- Do not have DEXA if pregnant
Most care for osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease is managed in the outpatient department. You do not need to fast before a consultation or a DEXA scan. Wear loose clothing without metal zippers, buttons or hooks, as metal can interfere with the scan images. If you take calcium supplements or multivitamins, stop them 24 hours before the DEXA scan.
Bring a list of all medicines you take, including steroids, thyroid medication, antacids and any over-the-counter supplements. Carry recent blood reports for calcium, vitamin D, thyroid function, kidney function and a complete blood count if you have them. If you have had a DEXA scan or X-rays elsewhere, bring those films or reports.
An attendant can stay with you during the consultation, which usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Pregnant women should not have a DEXA scan; tell your doctor if there is any chance you are pregnant.
How Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease treatment is given at Jaipur Hospital
- Consultation and DEXA scan Doctor discusses option based on risk
- First choice: oral bisphosphonate Weekly or monthly tablet on empty stomach, stay upright 30 to 60 minutes
- Very high risk: teriparatide Daily injection for up to 24 months, then antiresorptive
Treatment is medical and does not involve surgery. After the consultation and DEXA scan, your doctor will discuss which option suits your fracture risk, age, other illnesses and preferences.
Oral bisphosphonates are usually the first choice; they are taken as a weekly or monthly tablet with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, and you must stay upright for 30 to 60 minutes afterwards. If you cannot tolerate oral tablets or they are not suitable, denosumab is given as a subcutaneous injection once every six months.
For people at very high fracture risk, teriparatide is a daily injection under the skin that builds new bone; it is used for up to 18 to 24 months and then followed by an antiresorptive medicine. Intravenous bisphosphonates are another alternative when oral therapy is not possible. Your surgeon will advise which technique fits your situation.
All medicines are prescribed with calcium and vitamin D supplements unless your blood levels are already normal. You will be shown how to take or inject the medicine before you leave.
Risks and possible complications of Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease treatment
The DEXA scan uses a very low dose of radiation and is harmless for almost everyone; you will not feel any pain or have side effects after the scan. Oral bisphosphonates can cause stomach upset, heartburn or irritation of the food pipe; taking the tablet correctly reduces this risk.
Rarely, long-term use has been linked to unusual thigh bone fractures and jaw bone problems after dental surgery; your doctor will review treatment after three to five years.
Denosumab may cause skin reactions at the injection site, low blood calcium if supplements are not taken, and a small risk of infection; stopping denosumab without switching to another medicine can lead to a rapid rise in vertebral fracture rate. Teriparatide can cause nausea, dizziness or leg cramps; it is not used for more than two years.
Intravenous bisphosphonates may cause a flu-like reaction after the first dose. All medicines carry a small chance of allergic reaction. Your doctor will explain the risks that apply to you and how they are monitored.
Recovery and aftercare for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease treatment
- After DEXA or injection Resume normal activities immediately; no hospital stay
- Every year Height measured to detect silent vertebral fractures
You can resume normal activities immediately after a DEXA scan and after each injection or tablet dose. There is no hospital stay. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are taken daily as advised. A repeat DEXA scan is usually done one to two years after starting treatment and then every two years, or sooner if your doctor recommends it.
Blood tests for calcium, kidney function and vitamin D may be checked at follow-up visits. Height is measured once a year to detect silent vertebral fractures. If you have a new fracture, back pain, height loss of more than two centimetres, or develop jaw pain or thigh pain, contact the hospital promptly.
Treatment is reviewed after three to five years for bisphosphonates; for denosumab and teriparatide, the plan is reassessed at each visit. Do not stop any medicine without speaking to your doctor, as stopping can increase fracture risk quickly.
Results of Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease treatment in studies
In large groups of patients, bisphosphonates, denosumab and teriparatide each reduce the chance of hip, spine and wrist fractures compared with no treatment. Teriparatide is preferentially recommended for patients at high risk of fracture. Denosumab and intravenous bisphosphonates are effective alternatives when oral bisphosphonates cannot be used. After stopping denosumab, fracture risk rises unless another medicine is started.
Treatment benefit continues while the medicine is taken; guidelines suggest reviewing the need for ongoing therapy after three to five years for bisphosphonates and after 18 to 24 months for teriparatide. Fracture liaison services that coordinate care after a fracture have been shown to improve the quality of care and reduce further fractures.
Individual results vary; your doctor will use your DEXA results, FRAX score and clinical picture to estimate your personal benefit.
Cost and insurance for Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease treatment at Jaipur Hospital
A typical consultation with basic workup costs between ₹1,500 and ₹5,000. The final amount depends on which blood tests and imaging are needed, whether a DEXA scan is done at the same visit, and which medicine is started. Medicines, supplements and follow-up visits are billed separately.
Jaipur Hospital accepts RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and a panel of private insurers and TPAs; check with your scheme or insurer for coverage details. The hospital has an in-house pharmacy and diagnostic laboratory, so tests and medicines can be obtained on the same day.
There are no package prices for this service; you will be guided on the expected costs at the time of your visit.
