Osteoporosis means "porous bones". In this disorder, the bones are weakened by the loss of minerals, especially calcium, from their structure. This happens gradually over many years. As a significant amount of minerals are lost, the affected stages of osteoporosis, any activity can cause fracture of the backbone, wrist, hips or ribs.

Approximately 25% of white women over the age of 65 will have spine or hip fractures because of osteoporosis. The problem does affect men, but it affects two to four times more women then men.