Figure 1:

Age-associated conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Sarcopenia is a decrease in muscle mass and function with age. Tendons undergo degenerative changes with age and contribute to increased rotator cuff tears, biceps tendinitis and Achilles tendinitis. The vertebral column undergoes multiple age-related changes that contribute to increased disc herniations, spinal stenosis, foraminal stenosis, instability and deformity. Age-dependent changes in bone metabolism and structure lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fragility fractures, specifically vertebral compression fractures, hip fractures, and distal radius fractures. Alterations in subchondral bone and overlying cartilage with age increase the risk for osteoarthritis.