Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, making them weak and more likely to break. It happens when the body loses too much bone or does not make enough new bone. This leads to bones becoming fragile and porous, which increases the risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. The condition mainly affects older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, due to changes in hormone levels. People with osteoporosis may not notice symptoms until a bone breaks from a minor fall or injury. Maintaining strong bones is important for overall mobility and quality of life.

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. The core pathology involves an imbalance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts, often due to hormonal changes such as decreased estrogen in postmenopausal women. Other causes include aging, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., calcium, vitamin D), and secondary factors like glucocorticoid use. The major clinical significance is the increased risk of fragility fractures, which commonly occur in the vertebrae, hip, and distal radius. These fractures can lead to significant morbidity, decreased mobility, and increased mortality, especially hip fractures in the elderly.