Osteoporosis

Bones contain collagen (protein), calcium salts and other minerals.

Each bone is made up of a thick outer shell known as cortical bone and a strong inner mesh of trabecular bone, which looks like a honeycomb.

Osteoporosis occurs when the struts that make up this structure become thin causing bones to become fragile and break easily.

The condition is commonly linked to post menopausal women (1). However, men, younger women, children and pregnant women can also be affected.

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease with late clinical consequences. For this reason it has been termed the “silent epidemic” since there are no associated symptoms or warning signs prior to fracture.

Osteoporosis is usually a disease of older age, although it can affect people of any age. One in two women and one in five men will suffer a fracture after the age of 50 (2).

Refs:

1. Holt, Khaw & Reid et al | Prevalence of osteoporotic bone mineral density at the hip in Britain differs substantially from the US over 50 years of age: implications for clinical densitometry | British Journal of Radiology 75: pp 736-742 (2002)
2. van Staa, Dennison & Leufkens et al | Epidemiology of fractures in England and Wales | Bone 29: pp 517-522 (2001)