Osteoporotic Fractures

Osteoporotic fractures are fractures that result from decreased bone density. These types of fractures are more common in the elderly and the most common areas are the waist, shoulder, wrist, knee and toes. Osteoporotic fractures occur due to weakness caused by low density of bones. This weakness; low calorie intake of bones, low fat intake, low protein intake and low vitamin D intake. Symptoms of osteoporotic fractures; manifests as pain, swelling and bruising. The treatment of such fractures is carried out by increasing the bone density with drugs and strengthening the bones with regular exercises.

Throughout the article, detailed information will be given about what osteoporotic fractures are and how they occur:

• What are osteoporotic fractures and how do they occur?
• What are the symptoms of osteoporotic fractures?
• How are osteoporotic fractures diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for osteoporotic fractures?

What Are Osteoporotic Fractures and How Do They Occur?

Fractures that develop in the body due to old age or other causes are called osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporotic fractures are fractures that occur due to weakness of the bones. These fractures usually occur due to decreased bone mineral density.

The following substances are frequently involved in the formation of osteoporotic fractures:

• Bone mineral density decreases: As age progresses, bone cells (osteoblasts) create less mineral stores to form bone tissue. This causes bones to become lighter and more fragile.
• Bone structure changes: While bone mineral density decreases, structural changes in bones may increase the risk of fracture. For example, when bones become irregular and lose their proper structure, the risk of fractures can increase.
• Fracture occurs: Weakness and structural changes of bones cause bones to break more easily. Therefore, osteoporotic fractures often occur as a result of falls.

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoporotic Fractures?

Symptoms of osteoporotic fractures include:

• Pain and a feeling of fracture or fracture accompany the pain.
• Bruising or redness occurs in some parts of the body.
• Examinations or x-ray images show thinning and brittleness of the bones.
• Regional limitation of movement or mild deformations are seen in the fracture area.
• It is especially likely to be seen in the waist, shoulder and rib bones.
• Body length is shortened due to fractures.
• People experience difficulties in movement.
• Changes in body shape and serious deterioration in the body are observed.

How are osteoporotic fractures diagnosed?

The diagnosis of osteoporotic fractures is made by physicians by measuring bone mineral density (BMD). This measurement is a test that measures the density of bones in the body and helps assess the risk of osteoporotic fractures. In addition, radiological examinations such as x-rays and tomography are also used in the diagnosis of osteoporotic fractures. These examinations show changes in the bones and help doctors make a diagnosis.

What is the Treatment for Osteoporotic Fractures?

Treatment of osteoporotic fractures varies according to factors such as the age, gender, location and severity of the fracture. Treatment is done to help bones become healthy again. This treatment process may vary according to the individual situation of the person and may consist of the following steps:

Pain Control

Osteoporotic fractures are painful and therefore pain control is the first step in treatment. Painkillers can be used for this purpose.

Immobilization

In the treatment of osteoporotic fractures, the bones must be brought to an immovable state to heal. For this purpose, dressings, retainers or plastic surgery can be used.

Physiotheraphy

In the treatment of osteoporotic fractures, physical therapy is used to make the bones flexible again. In this treatment process, the person strengthens their muscles and bones by doing light exercises.

Nutrition

A balanced diet with a high calcium content is important for healthy bones. Therefore, doctors may advise people to increase their calcium and vitamin D intake.

Medication

Medications can also be used in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures. These drugs accelerate the regeneration of bones and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Doctors can give more information about the use of these drugs.

Process after treatment plan

After osteoporotic fractures are treated, the person's pain and distress are reduced and their range of motion improves. However, the bones do not fully regain their former health, and the person must be careful against the recurrence of osteoporotic fractures. Patients and their relatives are made aware of this issue. In particular, drug treatment should be continued and diet and exercise programs should be followed. In addition, physical therapy and rehabilitation therapy can be applied in the fracture area. These treatments help protect and strengthen bone health.