GC: n

S: NOS – https://www.nos.org.uk (last access: 18 December 2014); Patient.co.uk – http://www.patient.co.uk/health/osteoporosis-leaflet (last access: 18 December 2014).

N: 1. 1846, from osteo– + stem of Greek poros “passage, pore, voyage” (pore (n.)) + –osis.
2. Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone strength (the word osteoporosis literally means “porous bones”). Bone is made of collagen fibres (tough, elastic fibres) and minerals (gritty, hard material). It is a living tissue and contains cells that make, mould and resorb (take back up) bone. Initially, as you grow, bone formation exceeds bone resorption. But, as you get older, this reverses and, after about the age of 35, you start to lose a certain amount of bone material. Your bones become less dense and less strong.
3. Osteoporosis symptoms and problems:
A bone fracture after a minor injury such as a fall: his is often the first sign or indication that you have osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, the force of a simple fall to the ground (from the height of a standard chair or less) is often enough to fracture a bone.
Loss of height, persistent back pain and a stooping (bent forward) posture: These symptoms can occur if you develop one or more fractured vertebrae. A vertebra affected by osteoporosis may fracture even without a fall or significant force on it. The vertebrae can become squashed with the weight of your body.
4. Consequences of osteoporosis: Having osteoporosis does not automatically mean that your bones will break, it just means that you have a ‘greater risk of fracture’. Thin, fragile bones in themselves are not painful but the broken bones that can result, can cause pain and other problems. Osteoporosis does not generally slow or stop the healing process. Bones that break because of osteoporosis will still heal in the same way as they do in people who do not have osteoporosis, which is usually about six to eight weeks.

S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=osteoporosis (last access: 18 December 2014). 2 & 3. Patient.co.uk – https://patient.info/health/osteoporosis-leaflet (last access: 18 December 2014). 4. NOS – https://www.nos.org.uk (last access: 18 December 2014).

SYN:
S:

CR: bone disease, disease, osteogenesis, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteology, person with bone disease.