To Find Out the Incidence of Osteoporosis Among Smokers: An Institutional Based Study

Background: Osteoporosis is a complex heterogeneous disorder. Smoking is well known to cause various health problems, including osteoporosis and bone fracture. Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing the incidence of osteoporosis among smokers.Materials &Methods: A total of 500 smokers with smoking history of minimum of 10 cigarettes per day for a minimum of past 5 years were included. Also, a total of 500 normal controls (non-smokers) were also enrolled. Complete demographic and clinical data of all the patients was obtained. Detailed medical and personal history of all the subjects was also recorded. Thorough clinical and oral examination of all the subjects was done. Incidence of osteoporosis was also recoded. Results: Overall incidence of osteoporosis among smokers and non-smokers was 31.6 percent and 4.2 percent respectively. Incidence of osteoporosis was significantly higher in smokers in comparison to non-smokers. In the smoker’s group, 50.63 percent of the patients with osteoporosis belonged to the age group of more than 45 years while 34.81 percent of the patients belonged to the age group of 30 to 45 years. In the non-smokers group, 47.62 percent of the patients with osteoporosis belonged to the age group of more than 45 years while 38.09 percent of the patients belonged to the age group of 30 to 45 years. In the smokers and non-smokers group, 66.46 percent and 61.91 percent of the patients with osteoporosis were females.Conclusion: Smoking is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. Keywords: Osteoporosis, Smokers

Analysis to Assess the Prevalence and Causes of Low Back Pain in a Known Population at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background:Low back pain (LBP) is a significant health issue in all developing nations. It is also the most frequently treated health issue in healthcare sector. Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing the prevalence and causes of low back pain in a known population.Materials & Methods: A total of 500 patients who reported to the Department of Orthopedics, S.P. Medical College and Associated Groups of P.B.M. Hospitals, Bikaner, Rajasthan (India) were enrolled. Complete demographic data of all the patients was obtained. Thorough clinical and medical history of all the patients was assessed. Chief complaint was recorded and radiographic examination of all the patients was done. Diagnosis of low back pain was established and prevalence of CLB pain was recorded. A Performa was framed and various etiologic factors of CLB were assessed.Results: Overall prevalence of LBP was 42.4 percent. Lumbar herniated disc was present in 11.79 percent of the patients while degenerative disc disease was present in 13.68 percent of the patients. Spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis were seen in 16.04 percent and 13.21 percent of the patients respectively. Tumour and compression fracture were seen in 10.38 percent and 8.49 percent of the patients.Conclusion: LBP is a significant health issue affecting major proportion of world’s population. Degenerative disc disease, Spinal stenosis and Osteoarthritis are the major factor responsible for its occurrence