Overview of geriatric osteopenic syndromes. Part I: Definition and pathophysiology.

Overview

The clinical features of osteoporosis are identified, and their role in distinguishing this disease entity from osteomalacia, osteopenia, endocrinopathies, and marrow-packing disorders is discussed. An update is also offered on the ways in which calcium intake and estrogen levels are implicated in the pathophysiology of bone mass loss.