Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

osteonecrosis
See 
avascular necrosis.
osteopath
An osteopathic physician; a Doctor of
Osteopathy (DO). In most US states, osteopaths
complete a course of study equivalent to that of an
MD and are licensed to practice medicine. They may
prescribe medication and perform surgery, and they
often use techniques similar to those used in chiro-
practic and physical therapy.
osteopathy
A system of therapy founded in the
19th century that is based on the concept that the
body can formulate its own remedies against dis-
eases when its parts are in a normal structural rela-
tionship, it has a normal environment, and it enjoys
good nutrition. Although osteopathy takes a holistic
approach to medical care, it also embraces modern
medical knowledge, including use of medication,
surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy when war-
ranted. Osteopathy is particularly concerned with
maintaining correct relationships between bones,
muscles, and connective tissues. The practice of
osteopathy often includes chiropractic-like adjust-
ments of skeletal structures. Craniosacral therapy, a
practice in which the bones and tissues of the head
and neck are manipulated, also arose in osteopathy.
osteopenia
Mild thinning of the bone mass.
Osteopenia represents a low bone mass and is not
as severe as osteoporosis. Osteopenia results when
formation of new bone (osteoid synthesis) is not
sufficient to offset normal bone loss (osteoid lysis). 
osteodystrophy, renal
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osteopetrosis
A genetic disease that is charac-
terized by abnormally dense thick bone. A severe
autosomal recessive form of osteopetrosis can
occur in infants and children, and a milder autoso-
mal dominant form can occur in teens and adults.
In the recessive form, the thickened bone obliter-
ates the marrow cavity, causing anemia, and
narrows the openings of the skull, causing com-
pression of nerves to the ears and eyes, ultimately
resulting in deafness and blindness. Fractures are
common in both forms. Also known as marble bone
disease.
osteoporosis
Thinning of the bones, with reduc-
tion in bone mass, due to depletion of calcium and
bone protein. Osteoporosis predisposes a person to
fractures, which are often slow to heal and heal
poorly. It is most common in older adults, particu-
larly postmenopausal women, and in patients who
take steroids or steroidal drugs. Unchecked osteo-
porosis can lead to changes in posture, physical
abnormality (particularly the form of hunched back
known colloquially as dowager’s hump), and
decreased mobility. Treatment of osteoporosis
includes exercise (especially weight-bearing exer-
cise that builds bone density), ensuring that the diet
contains adequate calcium and other minerals
needed to promote new bone growth, use of med-
ications to improve bone density, and sometimes for
postmenopausal women, use of hormone therapy.
osteosarcoma
A cancer of the bone that is most
common in adolescents and young adults.
Treatment involves surgery, usually followed by
chemotherapy or radiation. The site of the tumor is
the most important prognostic factor, because it
determines whether the tumor can be surgically
removed. Also known as osteogenic sarcoma.