Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile.
With decreased strength, bones have an increased tendency to break or fracture. Once a fracture occurs, there is greater chance for more fractures, resulting in pain, loss of mobility and possible need for surgery. Osteoporosis affects more than 25 million Americans. Older individuals, especially women who have reached menopause, are most at risk. Caucasians and Asians are at a higher risk than African Americans.