Vertebral Bodies 2. Follow-up exams 1. The internal structure of a normal bone is spongy and porous. With osteoporosis, the actual bone tissue atrophies which causes the holes, or pores to enlarge. This decreases the density of the bone and causes it to weaken and become susceptible to fractures.
Osteoporosis is initially an asymptomatic disease.
It develops gradually and can go undetected for many years. One in two women and one in eight men are at risk of suffering fractures related to osteoporosis during their lifetime. These fractures can result in chronic pain and frequently, life-long impairment. The United States will spend beyond 10 billion dollars this year alone on health-care related to osteoporosis. The test may be performed periodically to measure progress or treatment.