Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major orthopedic health problem, affecting 28 million Americans. In fact, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men older than 65 will sustain bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. Many of these are painful fractures of the hip, spine, wrist, arm and leg.

Osteoporosis is characterized by progressive bone loss and is associated with an increased risk of fractures. The orthopedic disease often develops unnoticed, however, with no symptoms or discomfort until a fracture occurs.

Loss of height and the appearance of a dowager's hump (a severely rounded upper back) are also commonly caused by osteoporosis.