4 Interesting Facts of Postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in increased bone fragility, which can lead to fractures
- In hip and other weight-bearing joints, the presence of osteoporosis can look similar to early-stage osteonecrosis on imaging
- Often symptomless until fracture occurs, in contrast with osteonecrosis, which presents with pain
- Definitive diagnosis made with DEXA showing bone mineral density at hip and/or spine 2.5 or more standard deviations below the mean peak bone mass of young healthy adults
- In contrast, plain radiography may show increased bone density with osteonecrosis
