All about Osteoporotic Fractures : Diagnosis & Treatment
Osteoporotic fractures are not merely breaks in the bones but fractures that affect the rhythm of life, challenging mobility, independence, and confidence.
Osteoporotic fractures often arrive unannounced when your bones weaken and lose strength. Osteoporotic spinal fracture cause pain and disability, making routine activities extremely difficult.
Let’s uncover the silent story behind osteoporotic fractures!
Key facts on Osteoporotic fractures
- Osteoporosis has affected over 200 million people worldwide.
- If you're over 50, 1 in 5 men and 1 in 3 women are likely to be affected by osteoporosis.
- One osteoporotic fracture occurs every three seconds.
- Osteoporosis affects 8.9 million people yearly.
- Osteoporosis is mentioned as 'Silent Disease' because often it's undetected but increases the risk of mortality.
Understanding Osteoporotic fracture
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects bones, making them thinner and less dense. People with osteoporosis experience bone fractures, which often affect the spine.
What causes osteoporotic spinal fractures?
- Reduced bone density: the primary condiiton due to decreased bone mass and structural deterioration.
- Minor trauma: everyday activities like bending, lifting heavy objects, or even coughing or sneezing exert force to cause osteoporotic fractures.
- Ageing: As we age, bone density decreases and increases the risk of fractures
- Hormonal changes: loss of estrogen in women increases bone loss, whereas decreased testosterone weakens bones.
- Genetics: A person with a family history of osteoporosis may have weaker bones
- Medical conditions: A few medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, parathyroid dysfunction, etc, cause bone weakness.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Inadequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium, or protein affect bone health and increase fractures.
How do we identify osteoporotic fractures? The key symptoms for early diagnosis
Osteoporosis doesn’t have prominent symptoms, so doctors call it a silent disease. A bone break is the only symptom that occurs after a minor fall or accident. An osteoporotic vertebral fracture causes back pain near the break itself.
Osteoporosis doesn’t have any symptoms; the common warning signs include,
- Losing an inch of your height
- Changes in the natural posture
Diagnosing osteoporotic fractures - What are the steps followed by a Spine surgeon?
Physical examination
Initially, doctors perform a physical examination to assess your symptoms and medical history. They will examine your posture, alignment, and straightness of your spine. They will push certain spots on your back to identify whether the injury is due to bones or muscles. They also check for loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and changes in reflexes.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests provide detailed information on the osteoporotic fracture and determine the injury’s acute or chronic nature.
- X-rays: provide an overview of your bones, and the doctor suggests an X-ray if they suspect an osteoporotic vertebral fracture.
- MRI: shows the damage to any soft tissue in detail. It helps doctors identify the age of a fracture, whether it’s new or old.
- Bone Scan: It identifies any abnormal activity in the bone and shows whether the fracture is chronic or acute.
- CT Scan: shows an in-depth view of bones. The doctor evaluates the character and extent of the fracture.
- Bone density testing: This is also known as a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan, which measures bone mineral density. It’s a standard diagnostic technique for osteoporosis and for assessing fracture risk in the spine or other body parts.
Osteoporotic fracture treatment - Embark on the healing Journey
Osteoporotic fracture treatments often include surgical and non-surgical solutions.
Non-surgical treatment
Mostly, people who suffer from osteoporotic spinal fractures find relief with rest and pain medications. Doctors suggest a brace for vertebral compression to restrict movement and enhance healing.
Surgical treatment
Kyphoplasty
The procedure restores and stabilizes collapsed vertebra. A balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to create space and regain height. It corrects spinal deformity (kyphosis), relieves pain and improves mobility. It is ideal for patients with recent fractures and severe pain. |
Vertebroplasty
Stabilizes fractured vertebrae and alleviates pain. The bone cement is directly injected into the fractured vertebra without using a balloon. It provides quick pain relief and stabilization. Vertebroplasty is simpler and quicker than kyphoplasty. |
Quick tips to protect your bone health
- Follow weight-bearing, balance training, and muscle-strengthening exercises.
- Eat more Calcium rich foods
- Get Vitamin D from Sunlight
- Say no to smoking alcohol, and maintain a healthy body weight
- If you're over 50, check for bone density
- If you have a family history of osteoporosis, consult a spine surgeon and take preventive measures.
- If you already have Osteoporosis, a specific medication might improve it and prevent osteoporotic fractures.
Rebuild strength after Osteoporotic Fractures - Contact Dr Martin Liner, the Best Spine Surgeon in Dubai
Dr Martin Liner is a German board certified spine surgeon in Dubai who provides world-class osteoporotic fracture treatment. Whether you’re dealing with the pain of a spinal compression fracture or seeking advanced solutions for bone health, Dr Martin offers cutting-edge care tailored to your needs.
From top-notch diagnostics to minimally invasive spine surgical procedures, Dr Martin Liner helps you stand tall again. Discover innovative bone care!
