The Silent Killer: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones which leads to an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones". Osteoporosis happens when the lattice-like bony tissues in trabecular bones (spongy bones) start thinning due to certain factors, resulting in the widening of the gaps between bone tissues, in another words, the reduction of bone density, thereby leading to what is known as osteoporosis.

In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture is deteriorating, and the amount and variety of protein in bone is altered.

"World Health Organization (WHO) define osteoporosis as a bone mineral density that is 2.5 standard deviations or more below the mean peak bone mass (average of young, healthy adults) as measured by DEXA."

Normal Bones

Osteoporosis (porous bones)

What is osteosclerosis?
An imbalance in the metabolism of calsium ions results in a high concentration of bone minerals in cortical bones, which leads to a tendency towards excessive calcification of the bones; clinically, this is associated with such symptons as aches, cramps, etc.


Statistics on Osteoporosis in Malaysia
Osteoporosis-related fractures have been recognised as a major health problem, particularly in the elderly. In 1997, the incidence if hip fracture in Malaysia among individuals above 50 years of age was 90 per 100 000. Hip fractures are associated with high morbility and mortality rate up to 20% in the first year.

The majority who survive are disabled and only 25% will resume normal activities. The direct hospitalization cost for hip fracture in 1997 is estimated conservatively at RM 22 million.