What is an osteoporotic fracture?
Osteoporosis—the loss of calcium from bones resulting in weakened bone structure—increases the risk of fracture of vertebral body (the thick block of bone at the front of the vertebrae). In this type of fracture, the top of the vertebral body collapses down with more collapse in front thus producing the “wedged” vertebrae, the “dowagers” hump and shortened height The resulting change in height and spinal alignment can lead to serious health problems, including: • Chronic or severe pain • Limited function and reduced mobility • Loss of independence in daily activities • Decreased lung capacity • Difficulty sleeping Also, studies show that a first osteoporotic fracture makes it five times more likely further fractures will occur. That is why it is important that patients seek medical treatment for osteoporosis before it reaches the fracture stage. (See Diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis.
