Creaky bones

OSTEOPOROSIS is a disease in which bones become fragile and weak, making them more likely to break. If not prevented, or left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks or fractures. These 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 hospitalisation and major surgery. It can impair a person’s ability to walk and may cause prolonged or permanent disability, or even death. Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.