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Definition
Osteoporosis is called the 'silent epidemic' as bone loss does not result in any symptoms before fractures occur.
Osteoporosis is characterised by:
- low bone mass
- structural deterioration of bone
- increased risk of fracture
Healthy bones are highly adapted in strength and shape to withstand the different kinds of stress they are exposed to.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones have become too weak and brittle to handle everyday stress and minor falls. In cases of falling from a ladder, traffic accidents etc. even the strongest bone will break, so not all fractures are a result of osteoporosis. With age the strength of bones diminishes due to loss of both calcium and elasticity.
We are protected against fractures in several different ways. Primarily by our reflexes which enable us to extend our hands out and fall in a less damaging way. Furthermore, the soft tissues of the body: muscles, fat, and skin, act as protection for some of the more exposed bones. This is especially true for the hip. However, if worst comes to worst these means of protection can prove inadequate and the bone may break.
Back to Information about Osteoporosis
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