American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What does osteoporosis primarily result in?

1. Increased bone density

2. Reduction of bone mass

3. Cancer of the bone

4. Chronic inflammation of cartilage

The correct answer is: Reduction of bone mass

Osteoporosis primarily results in the reduction of bone mass. This condition is characterized by the gradual loss of bone density, which weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. In individuals with osteoporosis, the balance between bone resorption and bone formation is disrupted, leading to a net loss of bone tissue. While the other choices mention various bone-related conditions or changes, they do not accurately represent the primary outcome of osteoporosis. Increased bone density is opposite to what occurs in osteoporosis; cancer of the bone refers to malignant conditions affecting the bone rather than the degenerative processes involved in osteoporosis; and chronic inflammation of cartilage is predominantly associated with conditions such as arthritis, rather than with osteoporosis itself. Thus, the most accurate answer regarding the primary consequence of osteoporosis is the reduction of bone mass.