What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease causing thinning and weakness of the bones.  Usually, the bone tissue renews itself by a process where the old tissue is eliminated and replaced by new tissue.  In osteoporosis, the old tissue is not replaced by enough new tissue, which leads to a loss of bone mass or bone density which can lead to bone fractures after a sprain or a fall.  These bone fractures are called  fractures of fragility.

What osteoporosis is not.Osteoporosis is not necessarily the result of ageing. We often refer to osteoporosis as the «silent thief » because most people ignore that the quality of their bones is deteriorating until they have their first fracture.  Unfortunately, after the first fracture, the risk of having another is considerably higher.

Types of fracturesFractures due to osteoporosis can occur in any bone, but the most frequent sites are in the spine, the hip (for example after a fall), and the wrist (for example while extending the arm to absorb a fall).

Vertebral fractures can remain unnoticed until a loss in height or a curved spine occurs.  Theses changes happen because the bones of the spine (vertebra) get crushed and shrink gradually.  This type of fracture is not always painful.

Only one third of vertebral fractures are brought to the attention of a doctor.

PreventionPrevention is important to reduce the risk of osteoporosis to a minimum.  This includes understanding who is at risk for osteoporosis and establish a treatment quickly to prevent the disease.  If someone already has osteoporosis, early screening is essential to prevent fractures.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:• Age : 65 years and up
• White or Asian race
• Thin people
• Early menopause
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Diet poor in calcium
• Lack of exercise
• Family history of osteoporosis