Osteoporosis Reference Guide

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease in which a patient’s bones fragile, brittle and more likely to break. It is a silent disease in that it can progress without any symptoms until a fracture or break finally occurs, typically in the hip, spine or wrist, but any bone can be affected. Osteoporosis, however, can be treated and prevented.

A hip fracture, resulting from Osteoporosis, usually requires major surgery. In addition to impairing a patient’s ability to walk, a hip fracture can permanent disability or even death. Spinal fractures also have similar serious consequences, including loss of height, deformity and severe back pain.

While men also suffer from Osteoporosis, women are more likely than men to develop the disease.