Final answer:
Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder that causes bones to weaken and break more easily. Arthritis is joint deterioration, which can be observed by signs of wear and tear on the joints. Previous bone fractures can be identified by scarring on the bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder in which bones lose mass, weaken, and break more easily than normal bones. This can be diagnosed by measuring a patient's bone density and comparing it with the normal level of peak bone density. Fractures are the most dangerous aspect of osteoporosis.
Arthritis, on the other hand, is joint deterioration. It can be noted on skeletal remains by looking for signs of wear and tear on the joints. This may include bone spurs, narrowing of the joint space, and roughening of the joint surfaces.
Previous bone fractures can be identified by looking for scarring on the bone. When a bone fractures, it undergoes a healing process known as bone remodeling, which can leave visible markings or calluses on the bone.
Nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of Vitamin D or Calcium can affect bone density. A lack of these nutrients can lead to weakened and brittle bones. On skeletal remains, this may be noted by low bone density or signs of improper bone development.
Metal prostheses can be identified on skeletal remains as they look much different than bone. Prostheses are typically made of metal or other materials, which can be seen on X-rays or by visual examination of the remains.