O documento descreve a osteoporose, definindo-a como uma diminuição da massa óssea que enfraquece os ossos. Discutem-se os fatores de risco, incluindo ser mulher, magra, fumar e ter histórico familiar. Também aborda a prevenção e tratamento, enfatizando a importância da suplementação de cálcio e vitamina D, exercícios físicos e, em alguns casos, medicamentos como bifosfonatos.
In the osteoporotic patient, the entire skeleton is susceptible to fracture, resulting in significant disability, limited physical activity, and mortality Whereas the entire skeleton is at risk for fracture, vertebral fractures are the most common, accounting for approximately 46% of all osteoporosis-related fractures, followed by the hip (19%), wrist (16%), and nonvertebral fractures (19%). 8 Fractures of the hip and spine – most frequently observed throughout the postmenopausal period – are associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. 3,4 Because the entire skeleton is at risk for osteoporosis, osteoporotic fractures have widespread adverse effects on the body, including the gastrointestinal, respiratory, genitourinary, and craniofacial systems, although exact prevalence rates are unknown. 3