When Bones Become Fragile: A Look at Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and thin, making them more likely to break even from small falls or minor injuries. A “silent” disease, as it typically presents no symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it until they break a bone often in the hip, spine, or wrist. Osteoporosis happens when the body removes old bone faster than it makes new bone. If they don’t build enough bone or lose it too quickly, their bones can become weak and break easily.
Osteoporosis in children
Osteoporosis in children is mostly caused by a genetic condition called osteogenesis imperfecta ( also known as brittle bone disease), which makes bones fragile. Secondary osteoporosis happens due to things like lack of movement, certain medicines (like steroids), long-term illnesses, delayed puberty, or conditions like thalassemia major.
Osteoporosis: Two Main Types Explained
Primary Osteoporosis
The most common form of osteoporosis, known as primary osteoporosis, develops as a result of bone demineralization linked to aging or menopause. In primary osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) diminishes with advancing age. This condition is classified into two types: postmenopausal and senile. Type I (Postmenopausal Osteoporosis) Type I osteoporosis predominantly affects the trabecular bone due to a deficiency in estrogen. Type I osteoporosis is characterized by low levels of circulating total Vitamin D3 and a net negative change in calcium levels, resulting from reduced intestinal absorption and increased urinary calcium excretion.
Type II (Senile Osteoporosis)
Type II osteoporosis is seen at age > 70 in both sexes. This type is a consequence of the aging of trabecular and cortical bones, which causes a loss in bone mass and quality. In type II osteoporosis, fractures of the hip and pelvic bones are observed with greater frequency.
Secondary Osteoporosis
Secondary osteoporosis is defined as “osteoporosis caused by conditions, diseases, and medications other than aging and menopause that result in decreased bone mass and a heightened risk of fractures by directly or indirectly impacting bone metabolism or obstructing the acquisition of peak bone mass in younger populations.
