How Bone Fractures Are Caused By Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease. It is characterized by a thinning of the bones and a loss of bone density which leads to an easy fracture. Osteoporosis occurs when the body is unable to form sufficient amounts of new bone, or when an excessive amount of bone is reabsorbed by the body. Osteoporosis is a serious disease that can wreak havoc on the spine. According to WebMD, nearly a quarter of postmenopausal women over the age of 50 will experience a vertebral fracture. The disease is more common in women over 50 and men over 70.

Vertebral Fractures

Many people with osteoporosis have asymptomatic fractures; these go unnoticed or are discovered on x-rays administered for another purpose. Fractures of the spine can trigger a chain reaction, leading to back pain, distortion of the spine and even disability. Consult the best orthopedic surgeons in Pakistan if you have been suffering from severe back pain.

The spine is responsible for supporting the weight of the upper body. The lumbar spine in the lower back carries the weight and is very mobile. This leaves the segment of the lower spine most susceptible to compression fracture for people with osteoporosis.

As the vertebrae weaken, they become susceptible to compression fractures. Even a slight movement or effort can cause a weakened vertebrae to collapse. This usually occurs at the front of the vertebra, leaving it wedge-shaped. This change in angle causes biomechanical changes in the spine that leave other vertebrae more likely to fracture. If multiple fractures occur, the spine may suffer from kyphosis, leaving the back hunched. A loss of height can occur depending on the severity of the kyphosis. If such terrible conditions happen, the best orthopedic surgeons should be consulted without any second thought.

As the pain from fractures reduces a person's activity level, the muscles weaken and the loss of bone density accelerates. It is necessary to intervene in this cycle to prevent disability.

Treatments For Bone Fractures

Initial treatment to recover from a vertebral fracture involves a short period of immobilization of the affected area (possibly involving a splint), pain relievers, and supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. As we know, calcium aids development new bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

After a brief period of rest, it is necessary to exercise. Weight-bearing exercises (those that put weight on the bones) are essential for maintaining and restoring bone density in people with osteoporosis. The best orthopedic physicians can tell about the necessary exercises depending on the condition of the patient.

It may seem counterintuitive to load fragile bones, but bones require stress to rebuild. Think about how the muscles are built; the stress applied to them during training leads to a cycle of acute injuries and repair which renews and makes them stronger. Muscle strength gained through exercise also benefits people with osteoporosis because strong muscles help support bones and limit the risk of falls. For those who have suffered a fracture, exercise should be continued under the supervision and advice of a medical professional such as the best orthopedic surgeons or physicians.

For those with a severe fracture that does not heal within 3 months of conservative treatment, a minimally invasive procedure called vertebroplasty may be recommended. Vertebroplasty involves the insertion of a needle through a small hole in the skin which injects cement glue on the affected vertebra. This helps support the collapsed vertebra, prevent further fracture, and limit the risk of chain reaction fractures along the spine. This surgery or procedure is most likely to be performed by one of the best orthopedic surgeons. 

In a nutshell, osteoporosis can be a devastating disease, compromising independence and quality of life. If it is approached from the start with an active mindset, its effects on you may be limited. Even after a spinal fracture, you have the power to recover and avoid further injury. If you are looking for the best orthopedic surgeons in Lahore, get in touch with Hayaat.pk, from where a user can fulfil all his/her healthcare needs.