Osteoporosis

Bone health is an important part of general health. Osteoporosis occurs when the structures of the bones becomes weaker and less dense increasing the risk of breaking. Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis. The most common sites where broken bones occur are the hip, wrist and spine but also the ankle, leg, arm and ribs. Breakage typically occurs from a minor trip, fall or similar incident. Broken bones can occur in patients with osteopenia (low bone density) or osteoporosis and once a fracture has occurred the patient is considered to be at much higher risk of another fracture.