Osteoporosis is a condition that is caused by thinning of the bones, resulting in decreased bone density. Patients with osteoporosis have an increased risk of fracture. It is more common with increasing age, and is becoming an important health problem worldwide.
In Australia, it is estimated that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over 60 years of age will eventually develop a fracture. Osteoporosis is diagnosed when patients have a fragility fracture, or by a bone density scan showing severe bone loss.
