OSTEOPOROSIS
Both men and women progressively lose bone mass as they age. When bone loss exceeds a defined threshold, a diagnosis of osteoporosis is made. Individuals with osteoporosis are at increased risk for fractures with or without related trauma. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis are of the spine, hip, and wrist.
Typically women lose bone more quickly than men, due to the reduction of estrogen during menopause. Compression fractures of the spine affect about 25% of all post menopausal women and the prevalence increases with age.
Osteoporosis Video
Symptoms
Typically in the early stages of osteoporosis there are no symptoms. However, as this silent disease progresses, symptoms may develop that are related to weakened bones. These may include:
- Back pain
- Loss of height and stooped posture
- A curved upper back (dowager's hump)
- Broken bones (fractures) may occur with a minor injury, especially in the hip, spine and wrist
Causes
The skeleton is a dynamic structure, composed of bone that is constantly being formed and resorbed throughout life. During childhood and in the teenage years, new bone is formed faster than resorption of existing bone. However, this process begins to reverse at about 30 years of age when bone is resorbed faster than it is formed. This “thinning of the bones” is a natural part of the aging process.
Results
When bones become thin and weak they are susceptible to fractures, particularly those of the hip, spine and wrist. More than 1.3 million osteoporosis related fractures are reported every year in the United States.
Prevention
Osteoporosis can be prevented with good nutrition and, most importantly, adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D. The vitamin D works to promote the metabolism and absorption of ingested calcium.
At-Risk Groups
• Advanced Age
• Thin and/or small frame
• Low calcium intake
• Family history of the disease
• Post menopausal status
• Eating disorders, e.g. bulimia or anorexia
• Chronic use of certain medications, including corticosteroids
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol
• Smoking
Medical Treatment
Today, there are many drug therapies available that may help to not only prevent bone loss but may even assist in promoting the formation of new bone.
Surgical Treatment
The goal in treating any fracture is to stabilize it, reduce pain, return to normal function and prevent any deformity.
WHAT IS A VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURE?
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The spine is made up of a series of strong bones called vertebrae. A vertebra can break just like any other bone in the body. When the vertebral body collapses, it is called a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). |
One fracture significantly increases the risk of another, causing spinal deformity and an overall decrease in health. VCFs are painful, sometimes progressive and reduce the patient's quality of life. Multiple vertebral compression fractures can cause spinal deformity. Sometimes we see this in the form of a stooped posture, or a forward curvature of the spine known as kyphosis. The forward curvature can compress bodily organs. Over time this spinal deformity can make breathing difficult and is associated with the loss of lung function. It is also known to cause digestive trouble, affect body balance, and hinder walking. |
