Osteoporosis Doctor
At University Orthopaedic Surgeons, we are committed to providing the osteoporosis care patients need to excel. We proudly serve our communities in Knoxville, Sevierville, and the surrounding areas with specialized and compassionate care from our highly trained and skilled doctors, surgeons, and staff.
Bones are living tissues that are constantly being broken down and replaced. When the renewal process of the bone is unable to keep up with the bone loss of old bones, osteoporosis occurs. This disease causes the bones to be very thin and fragile, resulting in lower bone density and making those with osteoporosis more likely to have multiple fractures or broken bones.
Who Is at Risk?
It's important to be aware of the risk factors that can cause the loss of bone density. The most common of these include:
- A diet lacking in calcium and vitamin D
- Ethnicity (Asian or European)
- Family history
- Gender (female)
- Getting older (seniors and postmenopausal women)
- Physical inactivity
- Smaller body frame or being underweight
- Smoking
Hormonal imbalances can also play a role in this disease, including varying hormone excesses or deficiencies, such as:
- High cortisol levels
- High parathyroid hormone levels
- Low estrogen levels (associated with menopause)
- Low testosterone levels
- Overactive thyroid
Throughout various changes and stages in life, endocrine conditions and diseases, and the use of certain medications, hormones can fluctuate in a way that negatively affects bone density. Medications that lead to these hormone changes include certain antiepileptics, steroids, and certain treatments for breast and prostate cancers.
Each year, thousands of people suffer a devastating hip fracture due to a fall, and even more will suffer from a broken or fractured wrist, spine, shoulder, or arm. Fractures associated with bone weakness and low bone density are called fragility fractures, though compression fractures or vertebral fractures in the spine are also common with this disease.
If any of the risk factors above are present in your life, it's important to speak with an osteoporosis doctor about your risk of developing this disease and the steps you can take to prevent or delay the onset of bone loss.
How Can Bone Loss or Osteoporotic Fractures Be Prevented?
While some risk factors are out of a patient's control, other factors are lifestyle choices and can be changed in order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. These include adding more calcium and vitamin D to the diet and talking to your doctor about taking an appropriate dosage of calcium and vitamin D supplements for strong bones. Patients can also limit their alcohol consumption, add more exercise to their daily routines, and quit smoking.
All of these changes can limit bone loss and help with one's overall strength to reduce the risk of falls. For more personalized changes you can make to your lifestyle, visit our Osteoporosis Clinic for a plan of action to lower your long-term risk for fractures.
Learn More About Our Osteoporosis Clinic
The first step in treating osteoporosis is a diagnosis. We are proud to offer one of the area's most comprehensive clinics dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic bone disease. After a bone density test, also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and a thorough assessment, our bone health expert, Dr. Kostas Triantafillou, can formulate a customized osteoporosis treatment plan to preserve and rebuild bone mass, improve balance, and alleviate the fear of falling.
Your osteoporosis treatment plan for better overall health may involve osteoporosis medications, therapy with one of our certified physical therapists, or certain surgical options to help fractures heal properly or to correct other issues associated with poor bone health.
Our doctor understands that osteoporosis can keep you from living life to the fullest. To schedule an appointment with our osteoporosis specialist, call our UT Research Park office at (865) 546-2663 or request an appointment online.
Exceptional Care at University Orthopaedic Surgeons
Our years of experience and advanced training devoted to the care of orthopaedic issues, including osteoporosis, make us who we are, but our compassionate care of our patients is what makes us dedicated to you.
Our osteoporosis specialist, board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kostas Triantafillou, is an unparalleled expert in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating osteoporosis in a broad range of patients, and he continuously strives to exceed our patients' expectations in the delivery of care. Dr. Triantafillou has the knowledge and experience to create a plan tailored to your needs, whether you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis or you want a plan to prevent bone disease.
To consult with our osteoporosis doctor, please request an appointment online or call our UT Research Park office at (865) 546-2663.
