Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder in which bones
weaken and risk of fracture is increased. While any fracture
is a serious occurrence, hip fractures are of greatest public
health concern because the consequences are often
devastating. For example, those who experience hip fractures
have an increased risk of death during the first 12 months
after the fracture. Among those who survive, many
experience loss of mobility and may have to enter long-term
care facilities. Finally, hip fractures cost more to repair than
any other type of osteoporotic fracture.