Risk factors of Osteoporosis

Main risk factors for developing an osteoporotic fracture are age, a history of a previous fracture, and low bone mass values determined by bone densitometry. Age, due to the progressive deterioration of bone tissue that occurs with aging, along with muscle weakness and reduced balance, is a significant factor in the development of fractures. It is well known that hip fractures, typically associated with osteoporosis, increase with age.

It is important to note that individuals who have suffered a vertebral fracture are at greater risk of sustaining a second vertebral fracture within the first two years. Similarly, in the case of wrist or hip fractures, the risk of a new fracture also increases within the first two years. The concept of "imminent fracture risk" has recently been introduced to refer to this increased risk during the early years after the initial event.

Low bone mass as determined by bone densitometry, particularly at the hip, is also associated with a higher risk of fractures. The lower the bone mass, the higher the risk of fracture.

In over half of cases, osteoporosis is associated with the patient's age and the menopause. However, around one third of patients treated in rheumatology may also be going through other processes besides the menopause. Therefore the term secondary osteoporosis exists and is defined as osteoporosis associated with certain diseases, surgical interventions or treatments, e.g., coeliac disease or conditions that affect the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism), treatment with glucocorticoids, etc.