Osteoporosis
Definition
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risk.
Etiology
Primary
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (estrogen deficiency)
Senile osteoporosis (age-related)
Secondary
Long-term glucocorticoid therapy
Endocrine disorders: hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing syndrome
Malabsorption, chronic liver or kidney disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Prolonged immobilization
Common sites of fracture
Vertebrae (compression fractures)
Neck of femur
Distal radius (Colles fracture)
Proximal humerus
Clinical features
Often asymptomatic until fracture
Back pain due to vertebral collapse
Loss of height
Kyphosis (dowager’s hump)
Fragility fractures after trivial trauma
Diagnosis
Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
Measured by DEXA scan
| T-score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| ≥ −1 | Normal |
| −1 to −2.5 | Osteopenia |
| ≤ −2.5 | Osteoporosis |
Laboratory findings
Usually normal calcium, phosphate, and ALP
Helps rule out secondary causes
Radiological features
Generalized bone thinning
Reduced cortical thickness
Vertebral compression fractures (wedge or biconcave vertebrae)
Management
Non-pharmacological
Weight-bearing exercises
Fall prevention
Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake
Smoking and alcohol cessation
Pharmacological
Calcium + Vitamin D
Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate) – first line
Denosumab
Teriparatide (severe cases)
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (raloxifene)
One-line exam point
Osteoporosis causes fragile bones with normal mineralization but reduced bone mass.

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