Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which the bone mineral density is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporotic bones are more at risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in women as a bone mineral density 2.5 standard deviations below peak bone mass as measured by DXA; the term "established osteoporosis" includes the presence of a fragility fracture. While treatment modalities are becoming available, prevention is still considered the most important way to reduce fracture. Due to its hormonal component, more women, particularly after menopause, suffer from osteoporosis than men. In addition it may be caused by various hormonal conditions, smoking and medications as well as many chronic diseases.

Patients with osteoporosis are at a high risk for additional fractures. Treatment for the underlying osteoporosis can reduce the risk of a subsequent fracture considerably.

Hip fractures can lead to decreased mobility and an additional risk of deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Vertebral fractures can lead to severe chronic pain of neurogenic origin, which can be hard to control, as well as deformity. The one year mortality rate following hip fracture is approximately 20%. Though rare, multiple vertebral fractures can lead to such severe hunch back that the resulting pressure on internal organs can impair one's ability to breathe.

Although osteoporosis patients have an increased mortality rate due to the complications of fracture, most patients die with the disease rather than of it.

...More at Wikipedia

Related Links:

• Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education
• National Osteoporosis Foundation
• Mayo Clinic

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