Osteoporosis and sport

Osteoporosis is common throughout the world. Complications include fragility fractures. In this paper I will describe the condition as it relates to athletes young and old. It will be seen that osteoporosis may result from poorly managed sporting activities at the same time it may be ameliorated by exercise in those susceptible to the disorder. I will discuss the epidemiology, the protective effect of exercise, the therapeutic benefits of sport and exercise in the older population with fragility fractures, the effects of weight limited sport and the severe risks to those who diet and exercise intensely at the same time. I will cover the range of diagnostic investigations including imaging and non-radiological techniques and focus on advice to the coach and athlete to maintain bone health throughout an athletic and sporting lifetime.