What condition is characterized by the loss of bone density?

Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction in bone density, making bones more fragile and increasing the risk of fractures. This condition occurs when the body either does not make enough new bone or loses too much bone, leading to a decrease in bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. It is most commonly seen in older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, due to hormonal changes that affect bone metabolism.

In contrast, arthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration of joints, which affects mobility but does not primarily involve loss of bone density. Scoliosis involves an abnormal curvature of the spine and does not directly deal with bone density but rather with structural alignment. Tendinitis is an inflammation of tendons, which also does not pertain to bone density changes but rather to soft tissue issues. Understanding these distinctions is essential in grasping the nature of osteoporosis as a condition of diminished bone density.