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For further information, see CMDT Part 26-18: Osteoporosis
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Essentials of Diagnosis
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Fracture propensity of spine, hip, pelvis, and wrist
Asymptomatic until a fracture has occurred
Serum PTH, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase usually normal
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels often low as a comorbid condition
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General Considerations
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Clinically evident in middle life and beyond
Develops frequently in hypogonadal men
White women aged ≥ 50 years (who do not receive estrogen replacement) have a 46% risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture during their lives
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Usually asymptomatic until fractures occur
May present as back pain of varying degrees of severity or as spontaneous fracture or collapse of a vertebra
Loss of height common
Fractures of femoral neck and distal radius also common
Once osteoporosis is identified, careful history and physical examination are required to determine its cause
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Differential Diagnosis
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