What is an osteoporotic vertebral fracture?
Osteoporosis is the medical term for thinning bones and commonly occurs with ageing. The condition is more common in women than men. It is a silent condition that can be present for years and only declares itself when a bone is broken, and when the pain is intense. The fractures can occur in the bones of the spine (vertebrae), as well as in the hip and elsewhere. When a fracture occurs in a vertebra this is known as a ‘crush’ fracture as the vertebra wedges forward. Apart from being very painful you may notice that your body has suddenly changed shape with loss of height and increased prominence of the abdomen. The pain from vertebral fractures is often severe. It can settle of its own accord over several weeks, but can also persist for many months or longer.
