Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with osteoporosis at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. Bring any earlier bone density scan report, X-rays of past fractures, and a list of your medicines, including any steroid tablets and the dates you took them.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis means the bones have become thin and weak, so they break more easily. It develops slowly over years and does not hurt on its own. Often the first sign is a broken bone after a minor fall, or even after lifting a bag or a strong cough. The wrist, the hip and the bones of the spine are the most common places to break. Some people lose height or develop a stooped back when spinal bones collapse. Women lose bone quickly after the menopause, but men and younger people can be affected too. The stage before osteoporosis is called osteopenia. A bone density scan measures how strong the bones are.
Common signs
- A bone broken after a minor fall or a small knock.
- Women after the menopause, especially an early one.
- People who have taken steroid tablets for more than three months.
- A parent who broke a hip, or a low body weight.
- Loss of height, a stooped back, or sudden back pain without an injury.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
His services list includes the treatment of osteoporosis among the medical conditions he treats. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Subhash also treats the fractures it causes. He looks at your risk of breaking a bone from your age, history and medicines, and arranges a bone density scan and blood tests when needed. He then explains bone strengthening medicine, calcium and vitamin D, exercise and how to lower the chance of a fall.
What to expect
Consultation
He asks about earlier fractures, falls, the menopause, family history and medicines such as steroids.
Risk assessment
Your future risk of breaking a bone is estimated from these factors, often with a recognised scoring tool.
Bone density scan
A short scan, which does not hurt, measures bone strength at the hip and spine. Blood tests look for other causes of bone loss.
Treatment plan
If treatment is needed, bone strengthening medicine is usually offered, with calcium and vitamin D. It may be a tablet or an injection.
Fracture care and prevention
Any fracture is treated, and he advises on exercise and on making falls less likely.
Review
He checks how you are getting on with the medicine and when to repeat the scan.
Getting better
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- Bone strengthening tablets usually take 6 to 12 months to work and are often taken for 5 years or more.
- Weight-bearing exercise, such as brisk walking, and muscle strengthening help keep bones strong.
- A diet with enough calcium and vitamin D supports bone health.
Risks to know about
- Bisphosphonate tablets must be taken in a set way: on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, staying upright for 30 minutes.
- A rare side effect of some bone medicines is a jaw bone problem, so tell him about dental problems before starting.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if you have broken a bone after a minor fall, or you have several risk factors for osteoporosis. Book sooner if you have sudden back pain without an injury, or you are losing height. Go to emergency care straight away if, after a fall, you cannot stand or put weight on a leg, or the leg looks shorter or turned out.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DirectionsCall +971 58 599 7460WhatsApp
Questions patients ask
Should I take vitamin D?
Many people with weak bones are advised to take calcium and vitamin D, but the right dose depends on you. A blood test can show your vitamin D level. Ask before starting supplements.
Does osteoporosis hurt?
Not on its own. It usually causes no symptoms until a bone breaks. Broken bones in the spine are a common cause of lasting back pain.
What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis?
Both mean bone density is lower than normal. Osteopenia is the milder stage. It does not always lead to osteoporosis, and treatment depends on your overall risk of a fracture.
Is swimming good for my bones?
Swimming and cycling are good for fitness, but they are not weight-bearing. For bones, add exercise where your legs carry your weight, such as brisk walking, plus muscle strengthening.
Book an appointment
His nurse answers the phone and WhatsApp.