Osteoporotic hip fractures contribute significantly to mortality and chronic disability. Osteoporosis is common in Rhode Island, and costly. About 43,000 Rhode Islanders are estimated to have osteoporosis, and another 78,000 are estimated to be at high risk of osteoporosis in the future because of low bone mass. Osteoporosis has multiple causes. Cases of osteoporosis may be broadly divided into categories and types, based on major risk factors.
Secondary osteoporosis is associated with some medical conditions and the use of some medications .
Diet and lifestyle factors may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. The most important cause is the loss of reproductive hormones. Bones are dynamic organs which store and release calcium continuously. In childhood and early adulthood, bones store calcium faster than they release it, which contributes to growth. Around age 30, bones achieve peak mass.