Click here for details on the new bulk-billed Telehealth Osteoporosis Clinic.

Osteoporosis is a condition that results in brittleness of bones such that they can break or fracture more easily than they should.

Osteoporosis itself, does not cause any symptoms (unless there is a fracture causing pain), and therefore often goes undiagnosed until a fracture results from little or no trauma.  It is therefore important to screen people at risk of osteoporosis to manage their risk factors and commence treatment if indicated.  Studies have also shown that many people who have had an osteoporotic fracture are often under-treated or stop taking their treatment after awhile.

Dr Gonzalez has extensive experience in the management of osteoporosis, working in the osteoporosis clinic at Broadmeadows Health Service (part of Northern Health) for over 12 years.

Dr Gonzalez is offering a private consulting service for comprehensive osteoporosis assessment and management through the rooms at Essendon and also Dorset Rehabilitation Centre in Pascoe Vale, with ongoing follow-up and monitoring.

The comprehensive assessment and management plan includes:

• detailed clinical history (including previous falls and fractures, family history, lifestyle factors, medications, to outline a risk factor profile
• detailed physical examination
• falls and balance assessment (preventing falls is obviously an important way to reduce the risk of fractures)
• organisation of investigations required including X-rays, blood and urine tests, bone mineral density (DEXA) scans
• referral to private therapists and/or the Better Balance Program at Dorset Rehabilitation Centre
• referral to other medical specialists if indicated
• addressing of modifiable risk factors and commencement of supplements and medication if indicated.
• detailed letter addressing all the above, back to your general practitioner.