Generalized Osteoporosis in Old Age

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Abstract
Bones frequently become rarefied in old age. This is believed to be a physiologic process. However, generalized osteoporosis occurs in a considerable proportion of people long before old age is reached. It has been suggested that senile osteoporosis is due to a long standing Ca deficiency. A follow-up radiograph from patients for a period of 29 mos. who were given a high Ca, adequate P and Vit. D diet revealed no change. However, symptomatic improvement occurred in 54% of 208 patients treated. These cases were followed for a period up to 9 yrs. and averaged 2.3 yrs. from the initial examination. A careful study of 8 patients with generalized osteoporosis and one with a normal skeleton as regards Ca absorption and retention revealed no difference in the 2 groups of patients. Aged patients with generalized osteoporosis were capable of absorbing and retaining Ca and P when these substances were present in adequate amts. in the diet. No evidence was found that these absorbed minerals were used for purposes other than bone formation. No changes in calcification of arteries were noted in 10 osteo-porotic patients treated for a period of several mos. with Ca gluconate and vit. D. It is known that localized osteoporosis of limb bone as the result of disuse is not uncommon. Of 13 patients with osteoporosis, 7 had been completely helpless for some yrs., 5 with considerable disability and only 1 with a mild disability. Seven of 12 completely helpless patients showed marked osteoporosis of bone. Senility did not play a part in this group since 7 of 13 osteoporotic patients were below 40 yrs. of age and only 2 were above 60. No correlation was found to exist between arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis. Also, no correlation existed between osteoporosis and anemia. Albright reported a series of 42 patients with generalized osteoporosis between the ages of 45 and 65. Only 2 patients were [male] [male]. He suggested that stilbestrol in a dose of 2-10 mg. daily for periods varying from 10 days to 6 mos. was of benefit. He also found in no case any alteration in the X-ray picture. One positive finding in regard to the formation of osteoporosis was that multiparity was associated with the development of osteoporosis.