Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition resulting from genetic factors, a low body mass, early menopause, aging and other medical factors. In osteoporotic subjects, bone density decreases rapidly, which can result in fractures.
Bone is a living organism, and it undergoes continuous remodelling. This is carried out in what can be described as a “Bone Metabolic Unit”. This unit comprises of osteoblasts, which make new bone, and osteoclasts, which resorb old bone.
Osteoporosis is caused by overactivity of osteoclasts and inactive osteoblasts with aging.
The following micrographs show changes to normal bone as osteoporosis occurs, with thinning of trabecular and microfractures.
The bone strength is much reduced, hence resulting in fractures when force is applied.
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