Understanding osteoporosis

In the past, a person might not be aware they had osteoporosis until they experienced a broken bone — often a fractured hip or wrist. Today, access to information, identifiable risk factors, and major advances in prevention and treatment have changed that picture.

Senior woman rubbing her hands in discomfort

No one is completely immune to osteoporosis, but some people are more likely to develop it. Factors that may increase your risk include:

  • Being female
  • Having a small frame
  • Being fair-skinned
  • Having a family history of osteoporosis
  • Avoiding dairy products (low calcium intake)
  • Smoking
  • Experiencing premature or surgical menopause

Preventive care can help identify bone loss before a fracture occurs. A DEXA bone scan measures bone density and helps assess your risk for fractures in the spine and hips, areas where most osteoporosis-related breaks happen.

DEXA scans are also used to monitor how well treatments are working for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Your primary care provider, OB-GYN, endocrinologist or rheumatologist can work with you on assessing your risk and identifying treatment options, if needed. Note: DEXA scans require a provider order.

Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute at Skokie Hospital, the only hospital in Illinois dedicated to orthopaedics, offers leading hip fracture care, managing the highest volume of cases nationwide. 

We:

  • Prioritize surgery within 24 hours for eligible patients
  • Provide a team-based approach that gets patients moving sooner
  • Support healing at home, reducing transfers to nursing facilities
  • Provide ongoing follow-up with our bone health team to reduce the risk of future fractures

Hospitals across Chicagoland refer patients to our hip fracture program because of our proven results and commitment to recovery.

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Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute delivers expert care for bones, joints, muscles and the spine. With a collaborative team of specialists, innovative treatments and convenient access to care - including Illinois' only dedicated orthopaedic and spine hospital - we're here to help you move better, feel stronger and get back to what you love.

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