Osteoporosis, mostly seen in middle-aged and elderly people, has become a common disease that endangers human health as the average life expectancy increases. But our knowledge of it is far from adequate. What is osteoporosis? Definition of osteoporosis: WHO definition (OP) Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by low bone mass, damage to bone microarchitecture leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.NIH proposes that osteoporosis is a disease of the skeletal system characterized by decreased bone strength and increased risk of fracture. What are the types of osteoporosis? Classification of osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is divided into two categories – primary and secondary. Primary osteoporosis is subdivided into (type 1) postmenopausal osteoporosis, (type 2) senile osteoporosis and idiopathic osteoporosis. What are the clinical manifestations of osteoporosis? Pain Deformation of the spine and the occurrence of fragility fractures are the most typical clinical manifestations of osteoporosis. What are the serious consequences of osteoporosis? A serious consequence of osteoporosis is the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures (fragility fractures). This is a fracture that occurs after a minor trauma or in the course of daily life. Fragility fractures are very dangerous, for example, within 1 year after hip fracture, 20% of people die from various complications. 50% of the survivors are disabled and cannot take care of themselves. The human and material resources invested in the treatment are extremely high, which brings a heavy burden to families and society. What are the pain characteristics of osteoporosis? Low back pain or pain in the peripheral bones. The pain increases when the load increases. In severe cases, there is difficulty in turning over, getting up and sitting and walking. What is spinal deformity? In severe cases of osteoporosis, there can be shortening of height and hunchback, spinal deformity and limited extension. Compression fractures of the thoracic spine affect cardiopulmonary function, and compression fractures of the lumbar spine affect the function of the abdominal organs. What are the fracture characteristics of osteoporosis? Fragility fractures are characteristic of osteoporotic fractures and are most likely to occur in the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, distal ulnar radius of the hip and proximal humerus. After a single fragility fracture, the risk of a second fracture increases significantly. How is the risk assessment for osteoporosis performed? There are many clinical methods to assess the risk of osteoporosis, and the two most common methods used in China are the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) One-Minute Test and the Osteoporosis Self-Screening Tool for Asians (OSTA) Index.