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'''Osteoporosis''' is a medical condition characterized by the weakening of bones, leading to increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. It is a common skeletal disorder that primarily affects older individuals, especially postmenopausal women, but can also occur in men. Osteoporosis is often referred to as a "silent disease" because it progresses without noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs.
==Overview==
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder that results in a decrease in bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. As bones become porous and brittle, the risk of fractures, especially in the spine, hip, and wrist, significantly increases.
==Causes and Risk Factors==
Causes:

Aging: Bone density naturally decreases with age.

Hormonal Changes: Postmenopausal women experience a decline in oestrogen levels, which accelerates bone loss.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.

Genetics: Family history of osteoporosis increases the risk.

Medical Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and hormonal disorders.

Medications: Long-term use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids.

Risk Factors:

Gender: Women are at a higher risk, especially after menopause.

Age: The risk increases with age.

Body Weight: Low body weight is associated with lower bone mass.
	'''Osteoporosis''' is a condition in which bones become less dense and more likely to break. It develops over time and is often only recognised after a fragility fracture, meaning a break caused by a fall or impact that would not normally be expected to fracture healthy bone.

Ethnicity: Caucasians and Asians are at a higher risk.
	The spine, hip, and wrist are common fracture sites. Osteoporosis can affect women and men, but risk rises with age and is higher after menopause.

Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption.
==Symptoms==
Osteoporosis is often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs. Common symptoms include:
	== Bone Strength ==
	Bone is living tissue. It is constantly broken down and rebuilt. Osteoporosis develops when bone loss outpaces bone formation, when bone structure weakens, or both.

Back Pain: Due to fractures or collapsed vertebrae.
	Bone mineral density is one part of fracture risk, but it is not the only part. Age, previous fracture, falls risk, medicines, other illnesses, smoking, alcohol intake, and family history can all affect whether a person breaks a bone.

Loss of Height: Compression fractures in the spine may lead to a stooped posture.
	== Symptoms ==
	Osteoporosis may not cause symptoms until a fracture occurs. Possible signs include:

Bone Fractures: Fragility fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist.
==Diagnosis==
Bone Density Testing:
	* A broken bone after a minor fall or low-impact injury.
	* Back pain from vertebral fracture.
	* Loss of height.
	* Stooped posture.
	* Reduced mobility after hip, wrist, or spine fracture.

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA): Measures bone mineral density.
	Pain and disability often come from fractures rather than from low bone density alone.

Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT): Provides detailed images of bone density.
	== Risk Factors ==
	Risk factors include:

Peripheral Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (pDXA): Portable device for screening.
==Prevention and Treatment==
Prevention:
	* Older age.
	* Previous fragility fracture.
	* Early menopause or low oestrogen.
	* Long-term glucocorticoid use.
	* Low body weight.
	* Smoking.
	* Heavy alcohol use.
	* Low calcium or vitamin D intake.
	* Lack of weight-bearing activity.
	* Rheumatoid arthritis and some endocrine, bowel, kidney, or liver conditions.
	* Family history of hip fracture or osteoporosis.

Adequate Nutrition: Ensure sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D.
	== Assessment and Diagnosis ==
	Assessment may include fracture history, falls risk, medicines, blood tests, and a bone density scan. A DXA scan is commonly used to measure bone mineral density.

Weight-Bearing Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain bone density.
	NICE guidance covers fracture risk assessment in adults and supports use of risk assessment tools such as FRAX or QFracture where appropriate. Assessment is especially important after a fragility fracture, because a first fracture can predict future fracture risk.

Healthy Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
	== Management ==
	Management aims to reduce fracture risk and maintain independence. It can include:

Treatment:
	* Falls prevention.
	* Strength and balance work.
	* Weight-bearing and resistance exercise where suitable.
	* Adequate calcium and vitamin D.
	* Stopping smoking.
	* Reducing heavy alcohol intake.
	* Reviewing medicines that increase falls or bone loss.
	* Bone-protective medicines for people at sufficient fracture risk.

Medications: Bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, and other medications may be prescribed.
	Drug treatment may include bisphosphonates or other bone medicines depending on the person's risk, other conditions, kidney function, and tolerance. Treatment decisions usually depend on overall fracture risk rather than age alone.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Especially for those with deficiencies.
	== See Also ==
	* [[Osteoarthritis]]
	* [[Vitamin_D]]
	* [[Vitamin_B12]]

Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength and balance.
==Complications==
Fractures: Increased risk of fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist.
	== References ==
	* [https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions-that-can-affect-multiple-parts-of-the-body/osteoporosis/ NHS inform: Osteoporosis]
	* [https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg146 NICE: Osteoporosis, assessing fragility fracture risk]
	* [https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis NIAMS: Osteoporosis]
	* [https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis/osteoporosis National Institute on Aging: Osteoporosis]
	* [https://www.nogg.org.uk/full-guideline/summary-main-recommendations NOGG: Osteoporosis guideline summary]
	* [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/prevention/ NHS: Osteoporosis prevention]

Loss of Independence: Severe fractures can lead to a loss of mobility and independence.
==Conclusion==
Osteoporosis is a common condition characterized by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures, particularly in older individuals. Early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medical interventions can help manage the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
	[[Category:Medicine]]
	[[Category:Health]]