Fractures from Osteoporosis

Most osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the hip, spine or wrist.

Hip Fractures

An osteoporosis-related fracture of the hip is usually a break in the area of the bone called the femoral neck. While most fractures result from a fall, they can also occur spontaneously if the osteoporosis is advanced. In 1988, Canadians had approximately 15,000 hip fractures, 70 percent of which can be attributed to osteoporosis. By 1993, the total number of hip fractures had increased to 25,000. By 2005, there were 28,200 hip fractures. Because the Canadian population is aging, it is estimated that the number of hip fractures will continue to increase significantly.

Twelve to 20 percent of people who suffer a hip fracture die of related complications. Two-thirds (68 percent) of hip fracture patients who survive for one year still cannot walk without assistance. That is about twice the number that needed help walking before the hip fracture. An even greater concern is the number of patients who are in wheelchairs or are still bedridden one year after the fracture. This number increases from 6 percent before the hip fracture to 23 percent in one-year survivors.

Spinal Fractures

• acute and chronic back pain
• kyphosis (also known as dowagers hump – the curving forward of the upper spine)

These changes in the shape of the skeleton can be accompanied by:

• a significant loss of height
• gastrointestinal or digestive problems
• respiratory or breathing problems, because of the ribcage pushing on the pelvis

Wrist Fractures

Osteoporosis-related fractures of the wrist are usually the result of a fall on the outstretched hand. Wrist fractures are painful, and need to stay immobile in a plaster cast for four to six weeks.

If you think you may have broken your wrist, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that the bones will be properly aligned when healing.

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