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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Osteoporosis Insight

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Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

Bone is living tissue, which is constantly being absorbed and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the removal of old bone.

Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women — especially those who are past menopause — are at highest risk. Medications, dietary supplements and weight-bearing exercise can help strengthen your bones.

Symptoms
References
  1. Osteoporosis: Handout on health. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/osteoporosis_hoh.asp. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  2. Rosen C. Osteoporosis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  3. De Paula FJ, et al. Osteoporosis. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-0986-5..C2009-0-38984-9--TOP&isbn=978-1-4377-0986-5&about=true&uniqId=236797353-5. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  4. Weppner DM, et al. Osteoporosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  5. Koch TR, et al. Postoperative metabolic and nutritional complications of bariatric surgery. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2010;39:109.
  6. Rosen HN. Bisphosphonates in the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  7. Finkelstein JS. Treatment of osteoporosis in men. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  8. Rosen CJ. Parathyroid hormone therapy for osteoporosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  9. Rosen HN. Denosumab for osteoporosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  10. Kennel KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 27, 2011.
  11. National Osteoporosis Foundation: Community groups. http://www.nof.org/community/communitygroups. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  12. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Report-Brief.aspx. Accessed Oct. 27, 2011.
  13. AskMayoExpert. How much vitamin D is adequate to prevent vitamin D deficiency? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2011.
  14. Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 2, 2011.
DS00128 Dec. 13, 2011

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