Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (or brittle bones) is an age-related disease that often leads to fractures of the hip, wrist and spine, affecting millions of people worldwide.

In this vertebra we see normal, healthy cancellous bone. In time, however, osteoporosis results in resorption and reduction in the amount of cancellous bone. The weakened bone is unable to withstand physiologic loading and eventually fractures. Vertebral compression fractures can cause debilitating pain in the neck and back. Sometimes this pain is confused with muscle strain. Vertebral compression fractures can also lead to deformity as shown here. Fractures may also reduce mobility and deteriorate one's quality of life.

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Osteoporosis
• back pain
• fracture
• brittle bones
• spine

[gnortonshores]

Can osteoporosis be seen on X-rays and MRI scans?