Overview

Welcome to The Arizona Institute for Osteoporosis Management, the Southwest’s first comprehensive Osteoporosis Center of it’s kind. Led by board certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Rafath Baig, M.D., we at Arizona Institute For Osteoporosis Management understand the tremendous impact that osteoporosis can have on your health and quality of life, thus we strive to provide the best and most comprehensive care possible for your individual needs.

Our team of providers is dedicated to the health and well-being of our patients with osteoporosis. Many people diagnosed with osteoporosis are treated solely by their primary care doctor, which may not be enough.
Bone fractures, especially spine or hip fractures, are the most serious complications of osteoporosis. As osteoporosis specialists, we understand the importance of properly managing osteoporosis to help prevent devastating fractures.
Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development of osteoporosis. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption are all risk factors for the disease.

Diseases, Conditions and Medical Procedures
That May Cause Bone Loss

There are many health problems and a few medical procedures that increase the likelihood of osteoporosis. If you have any of the following diseases or conditions, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you can do to keep your bones healthy.

Autoimmune Disorders Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Ankylosing spondylitis

Digestive and Gastrointestinal Disorders
Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Weight loss surgery
Medical Procedures
Gastrectomy
Gastrointestinal bypass procedures

Cancer
Breast cancer
Prostate cancer

Hematologic/Blood Disorders Leukemia and lymphoma
Multiple myeloma
Sickle cell disease

Neurological/Nervous System Disorders
Stroke
Parkinson’s disease
multiple sclerosis (MS)
Spinal cord injuries

Blood and bone marrow disorders
Thalassemia

Mental Illness
Depression
Eating disorders

Endocrine/Hormonal Disorders Diabetes
Hyperparathyroidism Hyperthyroidism
Cushing’s syndrome Thyrotoxicosis
Irregular periods
Premature menopause
Low levels of testosterone and estrogen in men

Other Diseases and Conditions AIDS/HIV
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema
Female athlete triad (includes loss of menstrual periods, an eating disorder and excessive exercise) Chronic kidney disease
Liver disease, including biliary cirrhosis
Organ transplants
Polio and post-polio syndrome Poor diet, including malnutrition Scoliosis
Weight loss

Medicines that May Cause Bone Loss

Some medicines can be harmful to your bones, even if you need to take them for another condition. Bone loss is usually greater if you take the medication in high doses or for a long time.

It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of any medicines you take and about how they may affect your bones, but do not stop any treatment or change the dose of your medicines unless your healthcare provider says it’s safe to do so. If you need to take a medicine that causes bone loss, work with your healthcare provider to determine the lowest possible dose you can take to control your symptoms.

The following medicines may cause bone loss:
Aluminum-containing antacids
Antiseizure medicines (only some) such as Dilantin® or Phenobarbital
Aromatase inhibitors such as Arimidex®, Aromasin® and Femara®
Cancer chemotherapeutic drugs
Cyclosporine A and FK506 (Tacrolimus)
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) such as Lupron® and Zoladex®
Heparin
Lithium
Medroxyprogesterone acetate for contraception (Depo-Provera®)
Methotrexate
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium®, Prevacid® and Prilosec® Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Lexapro®, Prozac® and Zoloft®
Steroids (glucocorticoids) such as cortisone and prednisone
Tamoxifen® (premenopausal use)
Thiazolidinediones such as Actos® and Avandia®
Thyroid hormones in excess