Signs and symptoms Osteoporosis

osteoporosis age-related disorder causes gradual loss of bone density , strength. when thoracic vertebrae affected, there can gradual collapse of vertebrae. results in kyphosis, excessive curvature of thoracic region.



illustration depicting normal standing posture , osteoporosis

osteoporosis has no symptoms; main consequence increased risk of bone fractures. osteoporotic fractures occur in situations healthy people not break bone; therefore regarded fragility fractures. typical fragility fractures occur in vertebral column, rib, hip , wrist.

fractures

fractures dangerous aspect of osteoporosis. debilitating acute , chronic pain in elderly attributed fractures osteoporosis , can lead further disability , mortality. these fractures may asymptomatic. common osteoporotic fractures of wrist, spine, shoulder , hip. symptoms of vertebral collapse ( compression fracture ) sudden pain, radicular pain (shooting pain due nerve root compression) , spinal cord compression or cauda equina syndrome. multiple vertebral fractures lead stooped posture, loss of height, , chronic pain resultant reduction in mobility.

fractures of long bones acutely impair mobility , may require surgery. hip fracture, in particular, requires prompt surgery, serious risks associated it, such deep vein thrombosis , pulmonary embolism, , increased mortality.

fracture risk calculators assess risk of fracture based upon several criteria, including bmd, age, smoking, alcohol usage, weight, , gender. recognized calculators include frax , dubbo.

the term established osteoporosis used when broken bone due osteoporosis has occurred. osteoporosis part of frailty syndrome.

falls risk

the increased risk of falling associated aging leads fractures of wrist, spine, , hip. risk of falling, in turn, increased impaired eyesight due cause (e.g. glaucoma, macular degeneration), balance disorder, movement disorders (e.g. parkinson s disease), dementia, , sarcopenia (age-related loss of skeletal muscle). collapse (transient loss of postural tone or without loss of consciousness) leads significant risk of falls; causes of syncope manifold, may include cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), vasovagal syncope, orthostatic hypotension (abnormal drop in blood pressure on standing up), , seizures. removal of obstacles , loose carpets in living environment may substantially reduce falls. previous falls, gait or balance disorders, @ risk.