Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease.
It is a metabolic disorder of the bone, characterized by exaggerated loss of bone mass and changes in microarchitecture of the bone tissue that compromise bone quality, while the rest of the bone remains morphologically normal. There is a high rate of bone reabsorption, which is not compensated by an increase of the bone formation. This leads to bone fragility although, the mineral and organic elements in the rest of the bone have not been modified.

It constitutes a bone atrophy, in which the bone keeps its form and size, but loses weight and radiographic contrast, as spongious and cortical density diminishes. The transparency of bone structure alone does not justify the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

The causes of osteoporosis may be numerous: menopause, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hyperprolactinism, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal insufficiency, long periods of immobility, glucocorticoids excess, etc.

Symptoms: Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease. It is also often misdiagnosed as rheumatic or arthritic symptoms, since there are similar symptoms. The symptoms are present for long time: intermittent bone aches, located on the pelvis or rachis, becoming worse at night and with sudden movements. Fractures are very frequent even for slight traumatism. Fractures at the neck of the femur are common and those of the radius.

Top