Definition of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis: Thinning of the bones with reduction
in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein.
Osteoporosis predisposes a person to fractures, which are often slow
to heal and heal poorly. It is more common in older adults,
particularly post-menopausal women; in patients on steroids; and in
those who take steroidal drugs. Unchecked osteoporosis can lead to
changes in posture, physical abnormality (particularly the form of
hunched back known colloquially as "dowager's hump"), and decreased
mobility.
Osteoporosis can be detected by using tests that measure
bone density. Treatment of osteoporosis includes ensuring that the
diet contain adequate calcium and other minerals needed to promote
new bone growth, and for post-menopausal women, estrogen or
combination hormone supplements.
Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:27:00 PMCommon Misspellings: osteoperosis, osteocriterriosis
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