From:  Osteoporosis: definition, diagnosis, and considerations prior to starting treatment

 Classification of osteoporosis in children and adults.

PopulationClassificationDefinition
ChildrenPrimary

Low bone mass caused by intrinsic skeletal defects and abnormal composition of bone tissue:

  • Collagen type I synthesis alteration

  • Defects of bone mineralization

  • Osteoblast or osteocyte dysfunction

Idiopathic juvenileTransitory state of low bone mass of unknown etiology, characterized by pain in the back, hips and/or lower limbs; vertebral and long bone fractures. The onset of symptoms is insidious and starts before puberty. Patients show spontaneous improvement after puberty.
AdultsIdiopathic

Osteoporosis of unknown etiopathogenesis occurring in young men and premenopausal women, might be associated with:

  • Low peak bone mass

  • Low nutritional intake

  • Unhealthy lifestyle

  • Osteoporosis associated with pregnancy or lactation

  • Transient osteoporosis of the hip

Primary
  • Postmenopausal or type I: Characterized by rapid bone loss due to decreased hormone levels following the first 3–5 years after the menopause, affecting trabecular bone and increasing the risk of vertebral fractures.

  • Senile or type II: Loss of trabecular and cortical bone as part of the physiological aging process.

Children and adultsSecondary osteoporosis

Consequence of a disease or medications that impair bone metabolism or interfere with the absorption of calcium and/or vitamin D:

  • Chronic inflammatory states

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Post solid organ transplantation

  • Malabsorption

  • Neuromuscular diseases

  • Immobilization

  • Neoplastic states

  • Bariatric surgery

  • Glucocorticoids

  • Anticonvulsants

  • Anticoagulants

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and androgen-deprivation therapy

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Thiazolidinediones

  • Aromatase inhibitors

  • Proton pump inhibitors

  • Calcineurin inhibitors

  • Chemotherapy agents