Treatment Guide

Bone & Mineral Health

India offers comprehensive bone and mineral health programs—DEXA-based risk assessment, targeted lab panels, evidence-based medications, and coordinated rehab—at substantial savings for international patients supported by MediHeal International.

Bone & Mineral
Bone & Mineral hero

Quick Answer

Programs cover osteoporosis/osteopenia, osteomalacia, metabolic bone disease, vitamin D/calcium disorders, Paget’s disease, and secondary fracture prevention. India provides rapid DEXA, targeted labs, and therapies (bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide) with integrated fall-prevention and rehab—coordinated end-to-end by MediHeal International.

Who Needs Bone & Mineral Health

  • Adults with low-trauma (fragility) fractures, height loss, or vertebral compression fractures.
  • Postmenopausal women and men ≥50 with high FRAX risk or low DEXA T-scores (≤−2.5).
  • Patients with chronic steroid use, hyperparathyroidism, malabsorption, CKD-mineral bone disorder, or vitamin D deficiency.
  • Individuals with bone pain, muscle weakness, or biochemical abnormalities (calcium, phosphate, ALP, PTH).

Why Choose India

  • Up to 50–90% lower overall costs vs Western markets with access to endocrinology, orthopedics, imaging (DEXA), and rehab.
  • High-volume centers, quick appointments, and itemized, transparent packages for evaluation through treatment.

How MediHeal International Helps

  • Match to centers offering DEXA, comprehensive lab panels, endocrine/orthopedic review, and rehab under one roof.
  • Obtain itemized quotes (DEXA sites, lab lists, drug brands/doses, physio sessions, follow-up cadence).
  • Coordinate visas, airport transfers, nearby lodging, interpreters, and tele-follow-ups for long-term outcomes.

Types of Bone & Mineral

  • DiagnosticsDEXA (hip/spine ± forearm), vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, ALP, PTH, thyroid profile; rule out secondary causes.
  • Medical TherapyAntiresorptives (bisphosphonates, denosumab) and anabolics (teriparatide/abaloparatide) with calcium/vitamin D repletion.
  • Prevention & RehabFall-risk assessment, balance training, nutrition, hip protectors where indicated, and home safety planning.
  • Surgical CoordinationOrthopedic fixation pathways for fragility fractures and structured secondary fracture prevention.

The Surgical Journey

  1. Pre-arrival

    • Share prior DEXA reports, fracture history, medication list (including steroids), and recent labs if available.
    • Receive a written plan: evaluation bundle (DEXA sites, lab panels), likely therapies, visit count, and itemized costs.
  2. In-clinic Evaluation

    • DEXA hip/spine ± forearm; targeted labs to distinguish osteoporosis from osteomalacia or hyperparathyroidism.
    • FRAX or similar risk stratification; nutrition and lifestyle counseling.
  3. Treatment Initiation & Education

    • Start pharmacotherapy (as indicated) with calcium/vitamin D; review dosing technique and adherence.
    • Fall-prevention plan, physio sessions, and fracture-prevention education.
  4. Follow-up & Continuity

    • Tele-reviews for symptom checks and lab monitoring; repeat DEXA at 12–24 months based on risk.
    • Written handover to home-country clinician for ongoing management.

Recovery Timeline

  1. Outpatient regimens

    Most therapies are ambulatory; clinical review at 6–12 weeks for tolerance and labs.

  2. Monitoring

    DEXA typically every 1–2 years; earlier reassessment after fractures or major therapy changes.

  3. Post-fracture pathways

    Early mobilization, pain control, and secondary fracture prevention started during admission or soon after.

Benefits to Expect

  • Accurate diagnosis (DEXA + targeted labs) enabling tailored therapy and fewer missed secondary causes.
  • Reduced fracture risk and improved function via medication, nutrition, and fall-prevention programs.
  • Substantial cost savings with coordinated, time-efficient evaluation for international travelers.

Risks & Complications

General Risks

  • Bisphosphonates: esophagitis (oral forms), rare atypical femur fracture/osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).
  • Denosumab: hypocalcemia risk; ensure vitamin D/calcium adequacy.
  • Anabolics (e.g., teriparatide): hypercalcemia risk; follow labelled duration and monitoring.

Revision Risk

  • Confirm diagnosis and exclude osteomalacia or hyperparathyroidism before potent antiresorptives.
  • Dental evaluation if long-term antiresorptives are planned; adhere to supplementation and monitoring protocols.

Cost & Inclusions

Indicative Costs

  • Request itemized quotes specifying DEXA sites, lab lists, drug brands/doses, brace needs, and follow-up cadence.
* Final quote after clinical evaluation; varies by implant, technique (e.g., robotics), hospital accreditation, city, and length of stay.

Travel & Visa Essentials

  • Medical visas support chronic disease evaluation and treatment; up to two attendant visas are common.
  • Plan 3–7 days in-country for evaluation, therapy initiation, and education; tele-follow-ups for dose adjustments thereafter.

Preparing for Surgery

  • Bring prior DEXA/lab reports, fracture records, surgery notes, and full medication/supplement list.
  • List of allergies/intolerances and prior dental history if antiresorptives are expected.
  • Arrange safe home setup (fall-proofing) and discuss exercise preferences for adherence.

Rehabilitation Focus

  • Balance and strength training (hip/core), gait aids if needed, and home-safety modifications.
  • Dietician-guided calcium/vitamin D intake and protein adequacy; adherence tracking.
  • Tele-physio and scheduled reviews; DEXA/lab reminders at agreed intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should DEXA be repeated?
Commonly every 1–2 years depending on baseline risk and therapy; sooner after fractures or medication changes.
Are vitamin D and calcium included in packages?
Usually itemized separately—confirm brands, doses, and follow-up lab monitoring in the quote.
Can results be managed remotely?
Yes—tele-consults with periodic lab uploads and symptom tracking support safe dose adjustments and adherence.

Bone & Mineral Health in India | DEXA, Costs, Therapies & Prevention | MediHeal International · MediHeal International