Osteoporosis is a bone condition characterized by abnormally low bone density. A continuous cycle of breakdown and replacement occurs within the bones--a process termed bone remodeling. During early adulthood, equivalent rates of breakdown and replacement occur. With advancing age, breakdown begins to outpace replacement causing a net bone loss. The rate of bone loss among women increases substantially after menopause. Fracture risk increases as bone density decreases. Certain bones prove highly susceptible to fracture among those with osteoporosis.
Vertebrae
The bones of the spinal column, termed vertebrae, bear the weight of the upper body. As such, these bones must withstand substantial physical pressure. Loss of bone density due to osteoporosis often causes vertebral compression fractures, wherein the bone collapses on itself much as a piece of bread would collapse under the weight of a brick. "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports the vertebrae that bear the most weight--those from the mid-chest down--are most likely to sustain osteoporosis-related compression fractures. Pain, loss of height, distortion of the shape of the spine and pinched nerves may result from vertebral compression fractures. A hunch in the upper spine or a stooped posture often develops with multiple compression fractures. Compression fractures may occur spontaneously or during everyday activities such as lifting a heavy object.
Hip
The hip is a common site of bone fracture among those with osteoporosis. Hip fractures usually occur due to falls, which prove common among the elderly. In a review article entitled, "Prevention of Osteoporosis and Fractures" published in the journal "American Family Physician," Dr. Paul Ullom-Minnich reports that 30 percent of men and women age 70 or older sustain one or more falls per year. Vision problems, balance disturbances, weakness, certain medications and neurological deficits augment the risk for falls. The potential risk of disability and poor outcome after a hip fracture among the elderly is substantial. Dr. Ullom-Minnich notes in his review article that roughly one in 10 elderly persons who sustains a hip fracture dies.
Wrist
Osteoporosis related wrist fractures commonly occur, usually related to falls. Typically, the fracture occurs as the arms and hands are outstretched to "catch" the fall. The large bone of the forearm most frequently sustains the fracture, known as a distal radius fracture. In a 2008 article published in the "Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions," Dr. Yannis Dionyssiotis notes that distal radius fractures are the most common type of bone fracture among adults age 40 and older.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Handout on Health, Osteoporosis
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Osteoporosis
- American College of Rheumatology: Osteoporosis
- The Internet Pathology Laboratory for Medical Education, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah: Osteoporosis Tutorial
- "Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions"; Rehabilitation After Falls and Fractures; Yannis Dionyssiotis, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; 2008
