Anyone have a good definition of osteoporosis?

[axeon123]

So FA says it is reduced bone mass, but normal bone mineralization. Goljan says it is reduced bone mass/density and reduced bone matrix/minerals. What does normal bone mineralization mean exactly? In the postmenopause cause, there is imbalance between osteoblast/osteoclast, so isn't this not normal bone mineralization? Thanks.

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[aashkab]

bump because i am super hazy on this as well and yeah, a nice definition of "bone mineralization" would really help

 

[C6789]

I think what they mean is that in osteoporosis, you have normal bone mineralization (calcium & phosporous), it's just broken down faster than it's built up. This is in opposition to osteomalacia/rickets where you have normal bone mass/osteoid laid down, but impaired mineralization due to lack of vitamin D and Calcium.

 

[axeon123]

in osteoporosis all of your bone-related lab enzymes are normal, though. if it's being broken down faster...wouldn't that imply there is more free Ca2+/PO4 in bloodstream?

 

[njmedstudent87]

thinner trabecular bone due to unopposed osteoclastic activity (estrogen inhibits osteoclasts) ...manifesting most notably in the vertebral bodies...

 

[Dirt]

Osteomalacia:
Normal amount of osteoid, reduced mineralization, so the ratio of osteoid to mineralized bone is increased.

Osteoporosis:
Decreased osteoid, decreased mineralization, but the ratio remains the same so it looks like there is less of normal bone. When they say normal mineralization they mean that that the ratio is normal.

 

[Dirt]

in osteoporosis all of your bone-related lab enzymes are normal, though. if it's being broken down faster...wouldn't that imply there is more free Ca2+/PO4 in bloodstream?

No because it develops over years so the body easily handles whatever minerals may be released through normal mechanisms.

 

[PokerDoc]

No because it develops over years so the body easily handles whatever minerals may be released through normal mechanisms.

Yeah, osteoporosis is genereally insidious in onset so PTH levels would adjust accordingly to maintain basal serum Ca and PO4 levels