Osteoporosis is a condition marked by reduced bone strength, which can lead to an increased risk of fractured, or broken, bones. The strength of a person’s bones is affected by their bone mass (amount of bone) and bone quality. Osteoporosis is the major underlying cause of fractures in postmenopausal and older women. Fractures occur most often in bones of the hip, spine and wrist, but any bone can be affected. Some fractures can be permanently disabling, especially when they occur in the hip.

Osteoporosis usually progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs. In some cases, bones affected by osteoporosis can become so fragile that fractures occur spontaneously or as the result of minor bumps, falls, or normal stresses and strains such as bending, lifting or even coughing.

Many people think that osteoporosis is a natural and unavoidable part of aging; however, medical experts now believe that osteoporosis is largely preventable. People who already have osteoporosis can take steps to prevent or slow the progression of the disease, and reduce their risk of fractures. Although osteoporosis was once viewed primarily as a disease of old age, it is now recognized as a disease that can stem from less-than-optimal bone growth during childhood and adolescence, as well as from bone loss later in life.

• Bone remodelling
• What causes osteoporosis?
• Fractures from osteoporosis
• Osteporopsis and men