Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bone weakness, affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men over 50 in Canada. It causes fragile bones and increases the risk of fractures, with common ones being wrist, hip, and spinal fractures. Pain is usually not present until a fracture occurs, and hip fractures in older patients can be fatal. Factors such as age, sex, weight, and medical conditions can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. It is diagnosed using tools like DEXA scans and X-rays, with treatment goals being to reduce fracture risk and increase bone strength through medication and lifestyle changes.
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What is osteoporosis | Medical News Bulletin
