Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become very weak and brittle. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of osteoporosis include back pain, kyphosis (a stooping posture) and loss of height. Postmenopausal women over the age of 65 and those taking such medications as prednisone and anti-seizure drugs are prone to osteoporosis. Hip fractures, compression fractures and wrist fractures are the medical complications of osteoporosis.
Hip Fracture
According to the Mayo Clinic, a hip fracture occurs mostly in people over the age of 65. In fact, as you increase in age, your bones become less dense because you aren't absorbing as much minerals. Your bones become weaker, and you can easily break your hip bone. Physical manifestations of a hip fracture include intense pain in your hip or groin region, problems moving, the inability to bear weight on your injured hip and a shorter leg on the affected side, according to the Mayo Clinic. You will also have swelling and bruising on the side of the affected hip.
Treatment for a hip fracture includes surgery to place metal screws and rods to stabilize your fractured hips. Sometimes, your hip fracture may be so severe that you need a total hip replacement. Rehabilitation and medications such as bisphosphonates can help strengthen your bones.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures refer to fractures of your back bones, also known as your vertebra. MedlinePlus indicates that symptoms of a compression fracture include severe back pain that can begin in the middle or lower part of your back, loss of height, numbness, weakness, trouble walking and trouble controlling your bladder or bowel movements.
Medications such as narcotics, rest and the use of a back brace are conservative measures to initially manage compression fractures. As time passes and the condition gets worse, two types of surgeries are available: balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. Balloon kyphoplasty refers to a surgical procedure in which a needle containing a balloon is placed into the affected vertebra. The balloon is inflated and filled with cement to stabilize your broken vertebra. Vertebroplasty, like balloon kyphoplasty, also involves injecting cement into your vertebral bones.
Wrist Fractures
According to MedlinePlus, wrist fractures are commonplace in children and in the elderly. Wrist fractures typically occur when you fall and catch yourself by holding out your hands. Your wrist absorbs the force of your hand contacting the ground. If you fall forward from a high distance, your injuries become more severe. Physical symptoms of a wrist fracture include wrist pain, bruising and swelling around the wrist, history of a fall and problems holding or lifting objects. You must go to the hospital immediately as a physician can set your wrist into a cast or perform surgery if the wrist fracture is severe.
