This document provides an overview of osteoporosis including its definition, characteristic features, classification, contributing factors, clinical manifestations, investigations, diagnosis, and treatment. Some key points:
- Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in fragile bones and increased fracture risk. It is defined by the WHO as a bone density 2.5 standard deviations below the mean for young healthy adults.
- It is asymptomatic until a fracture occurs. Common fractures are of the distal radius, vertebral bodies, and hip. Risk factors include age, sex, family history, smoking, alcohol, low body weight, and estrogen deficiency.
- Diagnosis involves investigations