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.