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There is an
important link between falls, broken bones, and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is defined as
low bone mass and worsening of bone tissue leading to bone fragility and increased risk of
fractures. In other word, a gradual deterioration of bone tissue or bone density, or bone
resistance to mechanical energy makes bone so fragile that they can break with even
slightest strain. Falls impact on osteoporotic bones and increase the chance of fractures.
This slide shows an
individual with normal bone compared to someone with osteoporotic bone. The interior of
normal bone has a spongy, rigid, honey-comb like structure. However, in people with
osteoporosis, the holes of the honeycomb are greatly enlarged leaving an architecturally
weakened structure with significantly reduced bone mass. |
