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Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, which literally means 'porous bone', is a disease that reduces the density and quality of bone. This greatly increases the risk of fracture. It's called the silent disease because there's often no symptoms until the first fracture occurs.
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What is osteoporosis?

Bone is in a continuous state of remodelling through life, where old and damaged bone is replaced by new bone. As we age, this rebuilding process can become unbalanced, leaving bones thinner and more fragile. When someone has osteoporosis, even a slight bump or fall can lead to a fracture.
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Key statistics

3 seconds

3 seconds

Worldwide, there is an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds

Fracture risk

Fracture risk

Many (especially older) people, are unaware they have osteoporosis and are at risk of fragility fractures

1 in 4

1 in 4

1 in 4 men over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures

2 in 5

2 in 5

2 in 5 women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures

Silent killer

Silent killer

Osteoporosis causes no pain until there is a fracture and many people are not aware they have osteoporosis

Hip fractures

Hip fractures

The number of hip fractures in Australia continues to increase

Osteoporosis Research at Garvan

Garvan’s osteoporosis research is diverse, focusing on translating basic scientific discoveries into the clinic. Our scientists have developed a new understanding of how gene abnormalities lead to the development of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Research is now directed to discovering how to repair bone and to prevent osteoporosis in those who may have inherited an increased risk for the disease.

Our osteoporosis research    More