Are there any specialist bone doctors in the UK?

[Piglet1956]

If so, could you point me in their direction via a private message. Also any direct experiences would be most welcome. Thank you very much.

[Met00]

Are you looking for NHS or private?

[Piglet1956 in reply to Met00]

Either, I'm just looking for someone who knows what they are talking about.

[Met00]

Depending on exactly what you're looking for advice on, you might find it helpful to contact the ROS specialist nurse helpline. As you're probably aware, there isn't an osteoporosis specialism within the NHS, with most people being under their GPs, who refer to rheumatology or endocrinology if required. Those consultants don't specialise specifically in osteoporosis, but I'm sure some of them are good - hopefully others will be able to point to one or two they would recommend. I'm not sure that things are any different privately, but again others may be able to help.

Having said all that, I do see a private orthopaedic consultant/spinal surgeon who has specialised in osteoporosis for some years now. Dr Nick Birch runs Osteoscan UK Ltd (osteoscanuk.com), providing REMS bone scans, which I'm sure you'll have seen mentioned here many times. He comes very highly acclaimed and I've found him to have an excellent knowledge of osteoporosis. He's very much in favour of a "natural" approach where possible, through diet, exercise and supplements, but will also advise medication where appropriate. A REMS appointment includes the scan itself and a 1/2 hour consultation with him, during which you're treated with respect and kindness, with a focus very much on your own individual bone health. Osteoscan is based in Daventry, but they hold clinics around England. The mobile clinics do get booked up months in advance though (some are already booking into 2025), so if you wanted to see him sooner rather than later, you may need to be prepared to take a trip to Daventry, maybe have a short break nearby if it's a long journey!

[Piglet1956 in reply to Met00]

Thank you so much for this information Met00. I will certainly look into Osteoscan. I have osteopenia but want to work on diet and exercise in the hope of avoiding having to take medication in the future.

[Met00 in reply to Piglet1956]

There's also a Facebook group, Osteoporosis UK - Friendly Support & Natural Options, which you might find helpful.

[Met00 in reply to Piglet1956]

I've just read of someone having a Zoom appointment with Nick Birch, so that might be another option for you if you can't get there. Of course, that wouldn't allow you to have a REMS scan, so he would have to rely on your DEXA scan, which may or may not be reliable.

[Piglet1956 in reply to Met00]

Thanks again for the information and support Met00. I think I would prefer to visit and have the REMS scan. And I will look at the Facebook group.

[HeronNS]

This community may reach more UK members, I believe Osteoporosis Support started when the original American Bone Health community closed:

healthunlocked.com/bonehealth