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The disease
Osteoporosis is a diffuse disease of the skeleton characterized by decreased bone mass and impaired micro-architecture of bone tissue, causing a weakening of the bones and an increased risk of fracture. It can reach all the bones and remains asymptomatic in the absence of fracture.

Pathophysiology
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is promoted by estrogen deficiency. Other forms occur in the elderly of both sexes (formerly known as “senile osteoporosis”). Others are drug or endocrine origin (long-term steroid therapy, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, etc..).

Epidemiology
Bone loss and architectural deterioration increases with age. The first years of menopause is accompanied by significant bone loss in 30% of women.

Complications
The fracture characteristics of postmenopausal osteoporosis are those of the vertebrae, the upper end of the femur and wrist. They occur spontaneously or during minimal trauma. The major risk is that of femoral neck fracture in elderly.

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