Definitions

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone mass decreases and is characterized by micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue 43. The decrease in bone mass leads to increased bone frailty creating a greater risk for fracture 43,44.

 

Two types of Osteoporosis: Primary and secondary 

Primary:
Deterioration of bone mass unassociated with other chronic illnesses 43,6.

Secondary:
Deterioration of bone mass due to chronic conditions such as hyperthyroidism, malignancies, gastrointestinal diseases and renal failure 43,6.  

It is important to discern between the terms osteopenia and osteoporosis. Osteopenia is a decrease in bone mineral density that falls below the average for a 25 year old female and osteoporosis is a much more severe decline in bone mineral density 6,38.