Osteoporosis involves a loss of bone mass and disruption of the internal structure of the bones, making them fragile and prone to fractures. In this condition, bone fractures can occur even from minor injuries — and sometimes without any trauma at all.
A distinctive feature of osteoporosis is that fractures most commonly affect the vertebrae, femoral neck, and forearm bones.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
Age-related changes
Female gender
Genetic predisposition
Rheumatic and endocrine disorders
Androgen deficiency in men
Smoking and alcohol consumption