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Osteoporosis – understanding and detecting it early to prevent fractures

When should you consider osteoporosis?

Many people only become aware of osteoporosis once a bone fracture has already occurred.
Our bones support us throughout our lives – yet over time they can lose stability. Our goal is to recognize this early and prevent fractures whenever possible.

Perhaps you are asking yourself:
“Are my bones still stable – or is there already a risk of a fracture?”

As a DVO-certified center for outpatient osteological specialist care, we treat patients from Wolgast, Greifswald, Usedom and the entire Vorpommern region. The comprehensive assessment is carried out in our practice in Wolgast, often following referral by your general practitioner or specialist.


When should you consider osteoporosis?

✔ after a bone fracture
✔ from approximately 50–60 years of age
✔ during cortisone therapy
✔ if known risk factors are present

If you recognize yourself here, we recommend an assessment.

Please book an online appointment for a bone density measurement.


WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS? – When bones lose stability

Osteoporosis – commonly referred to as “bone loss” – is a condition in which bones lose density and strength.

The consequence:

Bones become more susceptible to fractures – often even under minor stress.

Many affected individuals also describe this as having “porous bones.”


WHY IS OSTEOPOROSIS DANGEROUS?

Bone fractures are often the first indication

Osteoporosis often causes no symptoms for a long time.

Many people only become aware of the condition:

after an initial fracture that occurs without significant trauma.

Typical examples:

vertebral fractures
humeral head fractures
forearm fractures
femoral neck fractures

This is precisely why early assessment is so important.


WHO IS AFFECTED?

Osteoporosis is more common than many think

The following groups are particularly affected by bone fractures:

women from approximately 60 years of age, men from 70 years
loss of height or back pain
already diagnosed osteoporosis
people after a bone fracture
patients with risk factors (e.g. cortisone use, diabetes)
family history

Studies show that a large proportion of patients are only diagnosed after a fracture.


WHY EARLY DETECTION IS SO IMPORTANT

Acting before something happens

Osteoporosis often develops unnoticed over many years.

If detected early, there are often very good opportunities to:

reduce the risk of fractures
maintain bone stability
avoid long-term limitations


OUR APPROACH

More than just a single measurement

A single examination is not sufficient for a reliable assessment.

We always evaluate your bone health as a whole:

comprehensive bone-specific medical history
risk factors
laboratory analyses
assessment of your fall risk
bone density measurement (DEXA) and X-ray, if appropriate

These are evaluated systematically according to current guidelines.

As a DVO-certified center, we work according to defined quality standards in osteological diagnostics and therapy.
You can find more about the examination and the process here: Bone density measurement (DEXA)


Why we assess your bone health comprehensively

Many examinations only consider individual aspects.

We combine all relevant information and evaluate it systematically according to current guidelines.

This results in a clear decision:
Is treatment necessary – or not?

A central part of our work is clear classification:

Is there a risk that requires treatment – or not?

Not every patient requires therapy.

If treatment is appropriate, you will receive a specific recommendation.

If not, we provide clear guidance for further monitoring of your bone health.

You are also welcome to learn more about our detailed diagnostic process.


INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Multiple perspectives for a reliable assessment

In our practice, your situation is not assessed in isolation by a single specialty.

Different medical perspectives are brought together.

This results in a comprehensive and well-founded assessment that truly reflects your individual situation.

You can find more information in our services section.


WHAT YOU CAN DO YOURSELF

Actively support your bone health

In addition to medical assessment, you can make an important contribution yourself:

Nutrition

calcium-rich foods
balanced diet

Exercise

regular activity
strength and balance training

The goal is to support the long-term stability of your bones.


WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE ACTION?

An assessment is particularly recommended if:

you have already had a bone fracture
you belong to a risk group
you are unsure about your bone health


YOUR NEXT STEP

Have your bone health assessed in a targeted way

If you are unsure about your bone health, we recommend a targeted assessment.

In many cases, one appointment is sufficient to obtain a clear evaluation.

Speak with your general practitioner or book an appointment directly with us for fracture risk assessment / bone density measurement (DEXA).
Book an appointment


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS

Many patients ask themselves whether their bones have already lost stability and whether their symptoms may indicate osteoporosis, or what they can do themselves.

We treat patients from Wolgast, Greifswald, Usedom, the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald and beyond.
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.


1. DECISION

When should I have my bone health checked?

An assessment of bone health is advisable if one or more of the following apply:

you have already had a fracture without major trauma
you are over approximately 50–60 years old
you take medications such as cortisone
you have known risk factors (e.g. diabetes)
you notice loss of height or persistent back pain

Even if you are unsure, a targeted examination can be useful.


Am I in the right place?

Our examination is intended for patients in whom a possible risk of osteoporosis should be assessed.

If you are unsure, we recommend first consulting your general practitioner.


Is a fracture always a sign of osteoporosis?

Not every fracture automatically indicates osteoporosis.

However, if fractures occur without major trauma,
this may be an important indication of reduced bone stability.

In such cases, we recommend a targeted assessment.


2. UNDERSTANDING

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis – also known as bone loss – is a condition in which bones lose density and stability.

This increases the risk of fractures.


What symptoms occur with osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis often causes no symptoms for a long time.

Possible signs include:

back pain
loss of height
fractures without major trauma

The condition is often only recognized after a fracture.


Is osteoporosis dangerous?

Osteoporosis significantly increases the risk of fractures.

Fractures of the spine or hip in particular can lead to long-term limitations.

Therefore, early assessment is important.


3. EVALUATION AND TREATMENT

Does osteoporosis always require treatment?

No. Not every diagnosed osteoporosis requires immediate treatment.

The decisive factor is your individual fracture risk.

Based on all collected data, a decision is made individually
as to whether treatment is necessary – or not.


Is osteoporosis curable?

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition and is generally not completely curable.

The aim of treatment is to slow progression and prevent fractures.


Can osteoporosis be stopped?

Complete reversal is usually not possible.

However, progression can often be significantly slowed – especially with early diagnosis.


4. EXAMINATION

How accurate is bone density measurement?

Bone density measurement (DEXA) is a very accurate and established method.

For a reliable assessment of your bone health, it is always evaluated together with other information.


How long does the appointment take?

We usually plan approximately 60 to 75 minutes for your appointment.

This allows us to assess your situation carefully and comprehensively.


Do I need to prepare for the examination?

Yes. Before your appointment, you will receive a digital questionnaire, which you should complete at home if possible.

Your information is an important basis for the assessment.


What should I bring to the appointment?

Please bring the following documents if possible:

referral from your general practitioner or specialist
list of your pre-existing conditions
previous findings or medical reports
current medication list

The more complete your documents, the more accurate the assessment.


Who covers the cost of the examination?

Bone density measurement is often an individual health service.

The current price is 54 euros.

Our practice does not currently have approval to bill statutory health insurance.


5. AFTER THE EXAMINATION

What happens after the examination?

After your appointment, all collected data will be carefully evaluated.

You will receive:

an assessment of your individual risk
recommendations for treatment or prevention
a medical report for you and your treating physician

Your general practitioner will discuss the next steps with you.


Do I need to continue treatment with you?

No. In many cases, further care is provided by your general practitioner or specialist.

If specialized treatment with us is necessary, we will contact you.


Do I need to repeat the examination regularly?

Whether a repeat examination is necessary depends on your individual result.

We often recommend follow-up examinations between 6 months and 5 years.


6. YOUR CONTRIBUTION

Can I do something myself for my bone health?

Yes. You can make an important contribution yourself.

This includes:

a balanced, calcium-rich diet
regular physical activity
strength and balance training

The goal is to stabilize your bones in the long term.


YOUR NEXT STEP

If you are unsure about your bone health,
we recommend a targeted assessment.

Speak with your general practitioner or book an online appointment for bone density measurement (DEXA).


FURTHER INFORMATION

You can find more information about the examination and the process in our DVO-certified center here:

Bone density measurement (DEXA)


Have your bone health checked in a targeted way

If one of the above points applies to you,
we recommend an assessment in our practice in Wolgast.

You can access online appointment booking here.

Osteoporosis after a fracture – an important indication

A bone fracture is often not a coincidence and more than a one-time event.
Especially if a fracture occurs without significant trauma, this may indicate reduced bone stability.

Many patients only discover osteoporosis in this context.


After a fracture, the cause should be clarified

Typical examples include:

  • humeral head fractures
  • vertebral fractures
  • femoral neck fractures
  • forearm fractures after a minor fall

In these situations, it is particularly important to assess bone health in a targeted way.

Because:

Without evaluation, the underlying cause often remains undetected –
and the risk of further fractures increases.


What does this mean for you?

If you have experienced a fracture, a key question arises:

Was this a one-time event – or is there an increased risk of further fractures?

This assessment is essential to:

  • prevent further fractures
  • maintain bone stability
  • avoid long-term limitations

Our approach is structured and guideline-based

After a fracture, we always assess your situation comprehensively.

This includes:

  • your medical history
  • possible risk factors
  • laboratory values
  • bone density measurement (DEXA)

All information is evaluated systematically according to current medical guidelines.

This results in a clear assessment: Is there a risk requiring treatment – or not?


Not every fracture automatically requires treatment

Important to know:

Not every fracture leads to therapy.

The decision is always made individually based on all collected data.

If treatment is necessary, you will receive a specific recommendation.
If not, we provide clear guidance for further monitoring of your bone health.


Act early – prevent further fractures

A previous fracture is one of the most important risk factors for future fractures.

A targeted assessment can significantly reduce this risk.


Your next step

If you have experienced a fracture or are unsure whether a risk exists,
we recommend a targeted assessment of your bone health.

Speak with your general practitioner or request a referral.
Alternatively, you can also book an appointment directly at our practice.