In which condition do bones become fragile and prone to fractures?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density and quality, leading to an increased risk of fractures. This occurs because the body loses bone mass faster than it can be replaced. The bones become porous and brittle, making them more susceptible to breaks, even with minimal trauma or stress that would not ordinarily cause fractures in healthy bones.

In osteoporosis, the imbalance of bone remodeling processes—where bone resorption exceeds bone formation—plays a crucial role. Factors such as aging, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies (particularly calcium and vitamin D), and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the severity of the condition. It is particularly common in postmenopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels, which are important for maintaining bone density.

Osteopenia, while related, is a milder form of decreased bone mass and does not carry the same high risk of fracture as osteoporosis. Arthritis involves inflammation of the joints but does not directly affect bone density. Sarcoma refers to a type of cancer that originates in bone or soft tissues and does not relate to the general fragility of bones in the context of osteoporosis. Thus, osteoporosis specifically highlights the fragility and fracture risk associated with bones.