Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common disease of old age, which results in a decrease in the amount of bone in the skeleton, as well as a deterioration in the bone structure. These changes result in a weakening of the skeleton, leading to an increased chance of breaking a bone; a fracture. The most common sites of fracture are the bones of the spine, the hip and the wrist. However other bones are commonly affected, including the shoulder (proximal humerus), ribs and the pelvis. Osteoporosis is most common in women after menopause but elderly men are also commonly affected.