Metabolic Bone

Based in the Sorby Wing at the Northern General Hospital the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Metabolic Bone Centre is the largest of its kind in the UK and provides care to patients across South Yorkshire and beyond.

We offer a comprehensive fracture risk assessment service which is supported by consultant-led clinics and nurse-led investigation and monitoring clinics.

We also have a nurse-led day case facility allowing administration of intravenous treatment and a telephone helpline for the support of our patients and their carers. These components allow our dedicated clinical team to provide an optimal service for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and a variety of other metabolic bone diseases.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major cause of illness and mortality in the elderly. Affecting around one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50, the condition is characterised by low bone mass.

This results in an increased risk of fracture, particularly at the spine, hip and wrist. The number of osteoporotic fractures is set to increase as the elderly population increases.

The following are risk factors for osteoporosis:

  • Previous facture, particularly after the menopause
  • Steroid therapy
  • Low bone density reported on an x-ray by a radiologist
  • Certain disease or medication known to cause osteoporosis
  • Early menopause (before age 45), late menarche or prolonged amenorrhoea
  • A family history of osteoporosis
  • A low body weight
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excess alcohol consumption, low dietary calcium intake.
Further information

video.sth.nhs.uk/metabolic-bone

 
 

Additional Information

Award winning “best practice”

The Metabolic Bone Centre has previously been
the recipient of the British Society for Rheumatology’s award for ‘Osteoporosis - pioneering best practice.’

The award recognises the importance of using new diagnostic tests to find out about bone strength. Effective treatments can then be given to reduce the risk of fractures (broken bones) from happening.

The team, based at the Northern General Hospital, won the award after changing the system they use to assess patients.
 

To read the full story click here

 
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