A bone fracture occurs when a bone breaks because it cannot withstand pressure that is placed on it. Normally, bones are extremely strong and able to resist a high amount of pressure and fractures only occur as a result of physical trauma. When fractures occur frequently, it can indicate that the bones have become porous or weak due to underlying medical conditions.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis literally means porous bone and is one of the most common bone disorders, affecting millions of Americans, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Those with osteoporosis experience bone loss as a result of several factors including increasing age, heredity, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle and certain medications. With bone loss comes increased frequency of bone fractures. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons that osteoporosis is often not diagnosed until a fracture occurs. Bone loss cannot be reversed, but an increasing intake of calcium and vitamin D as well as regular exercise can help prevent further bone loss. Certain medications and hormone replacement therapy may also help in preventing more bone loss.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is the softening of bones, most often due to a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency may be caused by insufficient exposure to sunlight, insufficient intake of vitamin D, previous surgery, Celiac disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders and certain medications. Because bones are soft, those with osteomalacia experience more frequent bone fractures and muscle weakness. Bone pain may also develop and most often affects the lower spine, pelvis and legs, according to MayoClinic.com. Osteomalacia can usually be reversed with vitamin D supplementation. In those with underlying kidney or liver disorders, osteomalacia usually reverses with treatment of those disorders.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a congenital disease characterized by extremely brittle bones. Because the bones are so weak, they are more susceptible to fractures, which occur often. In addition to frequent bone fractures, other characteristics of osteogenesis imperfecta include short stature, blue tints to the whites of the eyes and early hearing loss. The disease is caused by a defect in the gene that produces type 1 collagen, which aids in bone development. There are a number of possible defects that can occur and severity of osteogenesis imperfecta depends on the type of defect, according to Medline Plus. A number of treatment options are available to improve quality of life, however, there is no way to entirely prevent fractures. Treatment options include medications, reconstructive surgery, physical therapy and the use of braces.
