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More than 1.3 million osteoporosis-related fractures are reported in the United
States each year.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the skeleton contains a smaller total
quantity of bone tissue than normal for the age, sex and culture of the patient.
Skeletal growth usually peaks at about age 20 and by age 65, most people have
lost 30 percent of the bony tissue they had at their peak of skeletal maturity.
Often called "the silent disease", this progressive condition causes bones to become more porous, thin and brittle, thus more susceptible to fracture. The spine can be particularly vulnerable – vertebral compression fractures may occur in those whose osteoporosis has reached the advanced stage.
Diagnosis
Ordinary X-ray views of the spine can reveal the osteoporosis. In addition,
a patient may reveal a history of fractures following minor trauma and may complain
of disability because of skeletal pain.
Click here to find a doctor who treats osteoporosis.


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| Published: September 29, 2006 |
Updated: December 20, 2006 |
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