Lena T's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Patterns that lead to the development of Osteoporosis BASIS Advisor: Christine Bradford Internship Location: Arizona Neurosurgery and Spine Onsite Mentor: Donna Galati

Project Abstract

80% of patients, who have Osteoporosis, do not know they have the condition until a fracture sneaks up on them. It is important to catch it early on before a fracture occurs, for that first fracture can result in more fractures, long-term disability, loss of independence, and even death. How do elderly Osteoporosis patients avoid future fractures? What exactly are the factors that leave patients with brittle bones that snap with a sneeze? As an intern at AZ Neurosurgery and Spine since June of 2023, I have been in charge of sending referrals for Osteoporosis patients to receive treatments. I want to find ways to protect the elderly patients, not just at our clinic, but also other spine-specialized offices. I am able to observe first hand what the treatment process is like through the lens of both patients and providers. Through the Osteoporosis Research Survey, I will reach out to both patients with and without the condition to investigate what increases the risk of the ‘silent disease.’ My senior project will look at the patterns that emerge in the progression of Osteoporosis in the local Northern Arizona area, explore a disease that has been under-represented in public health, and hopefully elucidate the uncertainty surrounding what lifestyle factors can affect it.