Osteoporosis Variants
As they age, both men and women may require walking canes or be observed using assistance to stand up. This deterioration of the skeletal system in elderly individuals may be a result of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is commonly associated with women, but it has a reasonable chance of affecting elderly men and, in rare cases, can also affect children and adolescents. Osteoporosis can be classified based on the age of the affected population, either infants or adults. Numerous factors contribute to the development and maintenance of bone mass. Therefore, osteoporosis can be further classified based on the underlying causes of bone loss.
Types of adult osteoporosis:
There are two forms of osteoprosis: primary and secondary.
Type 1 primary osteoporosis
It is also known as osteoporosis after menopause. It occurs 5-10 years after menopause in women due to a decline in estrogen levels. This altered estrogen level, which maintains bone homeostasis by coordinating osteoblast activity, reduces the density of the trabecular network in spongy bone. The vertebra in the spine and the bones in the forearm are fractured primarily.
Type 2 primary osteoporosis
It is also known as senile osteoporosis or osteoporosis related to aging. It affects both men and women over the age of 60, though it is more prevalent in women. As the body matures, it produces less vitamin D3, which is blamed for a decline in calcium absorption and utilization. As bones age, they lose density and substance. This process involves both the outer compact bone and the spongy bone matrix. Fractures of the leg or pelvic weight-bearing bones can occur.
Type 3 secondary osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can develop as a result of other diseases or conditions that impact bone health. These may be a result of a poor diet, poor assimilation of dietary elements, hormonal imbalance in the thyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone, or adrenal gland hormones, or the use of certain medications that can negatively impact bone health.
Children’s Osteoporosis Subtypes
Osteoporosis among infants and adolescents is gaining prominence. Some researchers believe that senile osteoporosis is an offshoot of childhood bone disorders. Consequently, it is recommended that a thorough screening of bone development be conducted in childhood.
Juvenile secondary osteoporosis
In addition to adults, children can also develop this skeletal disorder, which may be caused by other maladies. Certain genetic disorders that may involve the bone marrow, hormonal secretions, and/or connective tissue can have a negative impact on bone development during its peak growth period, resulting in osteoporosis. Several associated conditions include chronic inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, malnutrition, and cancer treatment medications.
Juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis
It is idiopathic if the underlying cause of a bone defect cannot be determined. It is an uncommon occurrence. The child may experience bone discomfort and other postural irregularities. In the majority of cases, full recovery occurs upon reaching adulthood, but in uncommon instances, the condition may worsen with age.