osteoporosis
(os-tE-O-pOr-O-sis)
A condition of reduced bone mass. It includes decreased outer thickness and a decrease in the number and size of the spongy structures in the bone (but normal chemical composition). It results in increased fracture incidence. Osteoporosis is primarily classified as an age-related decline in bone mineral density. Secondary osteoporosis results from an identifiable disease. See the Osteoporosis page for additional information.