Osteoporosis
Up to 70% of fractures in persons aged 45 and older are due to porous bone (osteoporosis) however population screening for osteoporosis is not recommended in Australia. Investigation of individuals may be considered on the basis of their profile of risk factors. The strongest risk factors for osteoporosis are:
- being a woman
- being aged over 60
- a family history of osteoporosis
- a history of a low impact fracture
- loss of height
Other risk factors include:
- being of Caucasian origin
- having had an early menopause
- being underweight
- having a sedentary lifestyle
- smoking
It seems that the more risk factors, the greater the risk.
