What condition is characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk?

The condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk is osteoporosis. This condition arises when the creation of new bone doesn't keep up with the removal of old bone, leading to weakened bones that are more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis can develop silently over many years and is often diagnosed through bone density tests, which reveal a lower-than-normal level of bone mass.

In contrast, conditions like arthritis typically refer to inflammation of the joints rather than a systemic decrease in bone density. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints, which might lead to joint deformity and pain but does not inherently cause a decrease in overall bone density. Osteoarthritis, another form of arthritis, involves the degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone but does not directly influence systemic bone density in the way that osteoporosis does. Therefore, osteoporosis stands out as the condition specifically associated with decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures.