Osteoporosis is a silent disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.
Bone loss usually occurs slowly over time. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress without symptoms until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. A hip fracture almost always requires hospitalization and major surgery.