Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Screening & Treatment in Dubai
Osteoporosis is silent until a bone breaks. A DEXA scan and a targeted assessment tell us your risk today — and how to reduce it before the first fracture happens.
Why osteoporosis matters
You can lose a third of your bone mass without a single symptom. The first sign is often a wrist, hip or spine fracture from a fall that should not have caused one. Once that happens the risk of the next fracture doubles. Screening is worthwhile because prevention works — and works fast.
Who should be screened
- Age 65+ (women) or 70+ (men)
- Post-menopause, early menopause, or hysterectomy with ovary removal
- A parent who had a hip fracture
- Long-term steroid use (prednisolone 5 mg or more daily)
- Low body weight or a history of eating disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, or thyroid overactivity
- Long-term vitamin D deficiency — common in Dubai despite the sun
- A fragility fracture already — a break from a fall from standing height
The assessment
The visit combines a fracture-risk score (FRAX), a bone density (DEXA) scan, and blood tests for calcium, vitamin D, kidney function and — when relevant — parathyroid hormone and coeliac screen. We look for the treatable causes of bone loss, not just the number on the scan. You leave with a clear picture: your risk, whether treatment is needed, and if so which option fits you best.
Treatment options
- Vitamin D and calcium sufficiency, checked with a blood level not guessed
- Weight-bearing and resistance exercise — the single best non-drug intervention
- Oral bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate) for most patients
- IV zoledronate once yearly when tablets aren't tolerated
- Denosumab injection every 6 months for higher-risk patients
- Anabolic therapy (teriparatide, romosozumab) for severe osteoporosis
Follow-up
We repeat DEXA every two years to check progress, review the treatment plan every 3–5 years, and keep an eye on vitamin D and calcium in the meantime. Denosumab in particular needs uninterrupted dosing — we make sure your next injection is booked before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is a low-dose X-ray of the hip and spine that measures bone density. It takes about 10 minutes, is painless, and gives us the T-score used to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Do I need vitamin D testing in Dubai?
Yes — vitamin D deficiency is very common here, even with year-round sun. Most people spend the daylight hours indoors or covered. We check a level before starting treatment and again after 3 months of replacement.
Should I take calcium supplements?
Only if your dietary intake is low. Too much supplemental calcium can raise cardiovascular risk. We work out your intake first and top up only what's missing.
Are bisphosphonates safe?
Yes, when used correctly. The rare side effects you may have read about (jaw problems, atypical thigh fractures) are far less common than the fractures we prevent. We review the plan every 3–5 years.
Can osteoporosis be reversed?
Bone density can genuinely improve with treatment, especially with anabolic drugs. More importantly, the fracture risk drops fast — often within the first year.