Definition
A skeletal disorder characterised by reduced bone strength predisposing to increased fracture risk.
Risk factors
- Increasing age
- Female sex and menopause
- Steroid use
- Low body weight
- Smoking and alcohol excess
- Endocrine or metabolic disease
Diagnosis
- DXA scan with T-score ≤ -2.5 confirms osteoporosis
- Fragility fracture is clinically important regardless of T-score
Common fracture sites
- Vertebrae
- Distal radius
- Proximal femur
- Proximal humerus
Management
- Lifestyle measures and falls prevention
- Calcium and vitamin D where appropriate
- Bisphosphonates or other bone-active drugs according to risk
- Investigate secondary causes
Diagram
