Osteoporosis, also referred to by medical professionals as “porous bone,” is a condition characterized by bone deterioration and low bone mass. These problems make the bones fragile, which eventually leads to an increased risk of spine, wrist and hip fractures. Both women and men are affected by this disease, but it is more common in women.Bone is primarily made of collagen and calcium phosphate, a combination that makes bones strong and flexible. Throughout the average person's life, old bone is removed and new bone is added. However, as people age, old bone is removed faster than new bone is formed, which can lead to osteoporosis. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history of the disease, and body size are also risk factors.
