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What
Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized
by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to
bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially
of the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected.
Osteoporosis is often thought of as an
older person's disease, however it can strike at any age. It is currently estimated that thirty-four million
Americans have low bone mass, putting them at an increased risk of
developing osteoporosis and related fractures. In New York State alone, at least 3 million women and
men (over age 50) either have osteoporosis or are at significant risk
for developing the disease. Below is a picture of what healthy bone looks like compared with a bone affected by osteoporosis. It is clear that the difference is significant.
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