Previous Section
Introduction to Osteoporosis
Normal bone is dense and strong. Bones with osteoporosis become porous because of deterioration of the bone tissue, which leads to bone fragility and increase in fracture risk.
Bone undergoes a process of constant remodeling consisting of the breakdown of old bone and re-building of new bone. This resorption (by osteoclasts) and formation (by osteoblasts) occurs at an approximately equal rate thereby maintaining strength of the entire skeleton.
Around age 30, peak bone mass is attained and the process of bone loss begins. The greater the bone mass accrued prior to this time, the less chance exists for complications from bone loss later.
Osteoporosis is the most type of bone disease and affects both men and women. The condition is characterized by low bone mass, loss of bone architecture, and reduced bone strength. Because people with osteoporosis have "brittle" bones, they are at increased risk for developing fractures. The most common types of fractures in people with osteoporosis include spinal vertebral fractures, hip fractures, and wrist fractures.
