Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can be
prevented and treated.
Osteoporosis is
a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely
to break. If not prevented or if left untreated,
osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone
breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures,
occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Any bone can be
affected, but of special concern are fractures of the
hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires
hospitalization and major surgery. It can impair a
person's ability to walk unassisted and may cause
prolonged or permanent disability or even death. Spinal
or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences,
including loss of height, severe back pain, and
deformity.
Women are four times more likely than men to develop the
disease, men also suffer from osteoporosis.
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