Bolster, MD, Harvard Medical School Reviewed / Revised Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Classification Risk Factors Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points More Information Topic Resources DXA Scan Osteoporotic Compression... Causes of Secondary Osteoporosis Differentiating Osteoporosis... Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic bone disease that decreases bone mineral density (bone mass per unit volume), with deterioration of bone structure.