#9. What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which there is both a loss in the bone mass as well as an abnormality in the microarchitecture of bone.

#10. What are the major consequences of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis results in increased fragility of bone. These changes occur over many years and ultimately lead to bony fractures. Vertebral fractures are painful and disfiguring whereas hip fractures are frequently fatal.

#11. Why is it important to diagnosis osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is clinically silent for many years or decades prior to the onset of fractures. However, if suspected, it is readily diagnosed. There are now several treatment modalities which can significantly reduce the likelihood of fractures.