The literal definition means "porous bone."
Caucasian
or Asian race
is associated with a lower bone mass and therefore a higher frequency
of osteoporotic fractures. Women with a small body habitus should consider
a bone mass measurement to assess their risk of fracture
and to aid in making a recommendation of whether or not to use estrogen
replacement or another form of therapy to try and maintain bone mass.
Women who have a family history of osteoporosis
are at increased risk of low bone mass and increased fractures. These
women often do not obtain a high peak bone mass which is genetically determined
to a certain extent. Measurement of bone mass will help to determine risk
of fracture and aid in a selection of a program of therapy to reduce the
future frequency of fracture.
Early menopause (before age 40) increases
the risk of osteoporosis.
Cigarette smoking is associated with a decreased
bone mass in the lumbar spine and femur, increasing the risk of fracture.
Excessive use of thyroid hormone can result in low bone mass.
Use of glucocorticoid medications can result in low bone mass. Examples are prednisone and Medrol, used to treat a variety of medical conditions.
A lack of regular exercise or physical activity, such as may occur following a stroke or prolonged illness can result in low bone mass and an increase in the risk of fractures.
A chronic ingestion of alcohol can result in low bone mass and increased fractures.
A loss of adult height of greater the 1.5" can be an indication of low bone mass.