About 70 patients were examined at an osteoporosis detection camp organised at Guru Teg Bahadur Charitable Hospital by a team of doctors led by Dr Jagdip Madaan, a senior orthopaedic surgeon, in association with Panacea Biotech here on Monday. Bone ultrasound of all the patients was done at the camp.

Dr Jagdip Madaan said 70 per cent patients were found to have osteopenia to osteoporosis. “Osteoporosis is a silent killer which makes the bones so fragile that a simple slip can cause serious fractures. Fractures around hip joint are very serious and invariably need surgery causing serious economic and social burden on family and society. Osteoporotic hip fractures are leading cause of morbidity in Indian society,” informed Dr Madaan.

He said that osteoporosis was more common in women near menopausal age, patients on steroids, on diabetics, thyroid problems, persons living sedentary life style, alcoholics and chain-smokers. “In recent surveys, at least 30 crore people in India were detected to have some degree of osteoporosis.”

“Osteoporotic patients should do exercises, take good and healthy diet, milk, green vegetables, do yoga and consult doctors about medicines. Latest medicines are very helpful in maintaining good bones,” he advised.