Osteoporosis

Pathophysiology: Osteoporosis

Presentation of the disease

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the body fails to regenerate enough bone to replace the bone mass that is lost when the body reabsorbs the tissue as part of the natural cycle of bone regeneration. "Bone is living tissue, which is constantly being absorbed and replaced" (Osteoporosis, 2011, Mayo Clinic: Definition). "When you're young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and your bone mass increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass by their early 20s" (Osteoporosis, 2011, Mayo Clinic: Causes). Initially, the disease may not present any symptoms for many years. Some patients do not know they have the condition until they experience an unexpected bone break after a minor trauma or during daily activities. Other symptoms include loss of height, back pain from degeneration of the bone of the vertebrae or stooped posture (Osteoporosis,...
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