Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis often develops without you realising – until a bone breaks following what would otherwise be a minor fall. At Zuger Kantonsspital, we detect bone loss at an early stage and treat it on an individual basis. Our aim is to strengthen your bones and prevent fractures. We support you every step of the way, from bone density testing through to personalised treatment.

+41 41 399 41 95 +41 41 399 41 91 osteoporosezentrum@zgks.ch

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis – commonly known as bone loss – is a progressive loss of bone mass. The bones become more porous and break more easily, often even following minor falls or without a fall at all. It mainly affects women after the menopause, although men can also develop the condition. The risk of suffering an osteoporosis-related bone fracture from the age of 50 onwards is around 40 per cent for women and around 10 per cent for men.

Bone density measurement: early detection of osteoporosis

The earlier osteoporosis is detected, the better it can be treated. Nevertheless, only a proportion of those affected receive targeted treatment. That is why we focus on precise diagnosis: using bone density measurement via the DXA method, we determine your personal fracture risk and draw up an individual risk profile. We carry out around 1,500 bone density scans each year.

In addition, we can measure your body composition. This allows us to determine body fat and muscle mass precisely, which is also valuable in sports medicine and during hormone consultations.

Your treatment at Zuger Kantonsspital

If osteoporosis is confirmed, we will tailor your treatment to your individual needs – from advice on topics such as exercise, diet, calcium and vitamin D to drug therapies. Our osteoporosis and rheumatology team works closely with the endocrinology and sports medicine departments, ensuring that different specialist areas work in tandem. This enables us to monitor your bone health over the long term.

Services

Assessment and treatment of osteoporosis including risk profiling and bone density measurement using the DXA method
Specialist medical consultation – advice
- Risk profile assessment
- Eating habits (calcium intake)
- Somatic examination (if needed)
- Fall risk assessment (if needed)
Specialist medical consultation – treatment
- Instruction on prevention (eating habits, physical activity such as osteoporosis exercises, gait training)
- Drug treatment concepts
Body composition measurements

Partnerships

Rheumaliga Schweiz

Further Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At what age is it advisable to have a bone density scan?

A test is particularly recommended for women after the menopause and for men aged 65 and over. If you have risk factors such as inflammatory bowel disease, hormone therapy for breast cancer, a history of bone fractures, long-term cortisone treatment (for three months or longer) or a family history of osteoporosis, it is worth having a test carried out at an earlier stage. Your doctor will advise you on whether a test is advisable in your case.

How is a bone density scan carried out using the DXA method?

The DXA scan is painless, takes just a few minutes and uses a very low dose of radiation. The scan usually measures the spine and hips. We use the results to determine your personal risk of fracture.

Can osteoporosis be cured?

Osteoporosis cannot be completely reversed, but it can be treated effectively. The aim of treatment is to slow down bone loss, stabilise bone density and prevent fractures.

What can I do myself to help prevent osteoporosis?

Regular exercise, a calcium-rich diet, sufficient vitamin D, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption all help to support your bone health. We’d be happy to advise you on which measures are appropriate for your situation.