Clinical Overview
Osteoporosis and Vertebral Compression Fractures
Osteoporosis is a silent progressive disease, characterized by a loss in bone mass, that gradually weakens bones causing them to become brittle. Osteoporosis leads to abnormally porous bone that is easily compressed like a sponge. The disease weakens bones, not only in the spine but also in other parts of the body, and can result in fractures (breaks). Because there are no obvious warning signs, osteoporosis frequently goes undiagnosed and progresses painlessly until there is a fracture.
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation osteoporosis affects approximately 75 million people in Europe, USA and Japan¹. The National Osteoporosis Foundation in the USA estimated that by 2010, 12 million people in USA, mostly post-menopausal women, will be osteoporotic and another 34 million individuals will have low bone mass putting them at risk of becoming osteoporotic².
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is one of the most frequent problems associated with osteoporosis. A compression fracture may occur with little or no trauma causing the vertebra to collapse. This may cause pain, which can range from mild to severe. In spite of the pain, many patients do not seek treatment, believing that back pain is just a natural part of aging. Over time, if multiple vertebral fractures occur the condition can lead to a deformity of the spine characterized by a forward bending of the back known as “kyphosis” or Dowager’s hump. Kyphosis can cause a number of health issues Including loss of appetite, problems with sleep, and decreased lung capacity (labored breathing), all of which lead to quality of life problems.
¹ EFFO and NOF (1997) Who are candidates for prevention and treatment for osteoporosis? Osteoporos Int 7:1. ² NOF (2002) America's bone health: the state of osteoporosis and low bone mass in our nation. |
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