ABSTRACT
E – Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone density, which can result in lowvelocity fractures, commonly of the distal radius, vertebrae and pelvis. It is diagnosed on DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan by demonstrating a density that is 2.5 standard deviations below the mean. Osteopenia also describes a reduction in bone density but is not as severe as osteoporosis. On DEXA scanning, density will be between 1 and 2.5 standard deviations below the mean. In osteomalacia there is reduction in skeletal mass secondary to abnormal mineralization of the bone, which can be diagnosed biochemically and on bone biopsy. In osteopetrosis there is overgrowth and sclerosis of bone which can grow into the medullary canal. is bone is brittle and susceptible to fractures. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic bone disorder resulting from collagen deciency; there is subsequent bone fragility. It is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and presents in infancy with frequent fractures.
