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spine with shattered vertebrae. concept of physical discomfort. 3d render

Fragility Fractures

Are broken bones that happen spontaneously or as a result of normal daily activities or a fall from standing height or less.

Fragility fractures are the most serious sign of osteoporosis

A fragility fracture should trigger a Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD)

  • Fragility fractures are responsible for excess mortality, morbidity, chronic pain, admission to institutions and economic costs1-3
  • Those with hip or vertebral fractures have substantially increased risk of death after the fracture2
  • Multiple vertebral fractures can cause significant pain, anxiety, depression, reduced pulmonary function and agitation4
Digital medical illustration depicting a hip fracture often seen in cases of osteoporosis; intracapsular (femoral neck) fracture: a fracture of the neck of the femur.

Hip Fractures

One in three hip fracture patients re-fracture at one year and over 1 in 2 will suffer another fracture within 5 years.

40% of people who fracture a hip had a prior (non-hip) fracture - which was not recognized as a warning sign of osteoporosis

Only 44% of hip fracture patients discharged from hospital go home.

28% of women and  37% of men with osteoporosis related hip fractures will die of complications the  following year

after_the_fracture_spine_fracture

Height loss = Early warning signs

All men and women 50+ should have annual height measurements

  • ¾” in one year (~ 2cm)
  • 2 ½” since young adulthood (~ 6 cm)

Should trigger a SPINAL X-RAY and assessment for osteoporosis

Spinal Fractures can result in:

back pain, depression, height loss, protruding abdomen, reduced lung function,

weight loss, sleep disturbance, impaired activities of daily living