Osteoporosis is a condition which results in a loss of bone strength making bones more fragile and likely to break. Women need realistic and achievable self management strategies so that they can independently protect themselves against the development of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Such interventions include exercise, dietary management and avoidance of known risk factors.

There are a variety of prescription therapies for the management of osteoporosis. Providing women diagnosed with osteoporosis, and their healthcare providers with evidence-based information about the choice of therapies available should help to maximise appropriate prescribing and optimise compliance.

Together these two strategies will translate into improved health status and quality of life for Australian women.

The development of strong bones for everyone begins early in life and requires continuous maintenance. Bone Health for Life provides access to health and lifestyle information to improve bone health, and prevent and manage osteoporosis in general.

Definition

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Working Group defines osteoporosis according to measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

• Osteoporosis is defined as a bone density T score at or below 2.5 standard deviations (T score) below normal peak values for young adults.

A clinical definition of osteoporosis was developed in 2001 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Panel on Osteoporosis.

• Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterised by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture.

Epidemiology

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, which in itself causes no symptoms.

• 2 million Australians have an osteoporosis related condition
• 1.5 million are women.
• 0.5 million are men
• Currently osteoporosis affects 10% of the Australian population
• By 2021, osteoporosis will affect 13% of the Australian population 

For more information go to Epidemiology

Life stages - key messages

Key messages for each lifestage are provided here, to assist health professionals.

Pathogenesis

The human skeleton is comprised of a mixture of collagen (type 1), non-collageneous matrix proteins and minerals; mainly calcium and phosphate, but also magnesium.

Bone structurally needs to be stiff in order to allow for mechanical loading, but also flexible enough to absorb energy during impact loading and muscle contraction.

When the balance between bone stiffness and flexibility is exceeded, fracture results.

For more information go to Pathogenesis

Content updated July 28, 2009