Table of Contents
Complications
Bone density loss from osteoporosis is a major cause of disability and death in the elderly, mostly due to subsequent fractures. The lifetime risk of spinal fracture in women is about one in three, and for hip fracture is one in six. Women at highest risk for fractures are those with low bone density plus a history of fractures, particularly low-trauma fractures.
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Click the icon to see an animation about osteoporosis. |
Osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures annually. About 50% of women and 25% of men over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. Spinal vertebreal fractures are the most common type of osteoporosis-related fracture, followed by hip fractures, wrist fractures, and other types of broken bones. About 80% of these fractures occur after relatively minor falls or accidents.
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Click the icon to see an image of a compression fracture. |
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Click the icon to see an image of a hip fracture. |
Risk Factors for Fracture and Falling. In addition to low bone density, falling is the primary risk factor for fractures. Additional risk factors for fracture are those that increase the risk for falling. They include:
- Having chronic medical problems (emphysema, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and depression), the risk increasing with multiple health problems
- Taking multiple medications (especially tranquilizers and antidepressants)
- Poor physical function, importantly slow gait and reduced muscle strength. Inactivity that results in weak thigh muscles and poor balance particularly puts any older person at risk for fracture and particularly those with low bone density.
- Poor concentration or mental impairment
- Impaired vision
- Hazardous environment (such as the presence of throw rugs in the house)
Mortality after Fracture
Hip fractures can increase the risk of death in both men and women. Complications of hip fractures include hospital-acquired infections and blood clots in the lungs.
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Review Date: 10/21/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
