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Fractures of Osteoporosis
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Hip fractures
An osteoporosis-related fracture of the hip is usually a break in the area of the bone called the femoral neck. While most are the result of a fall, they can occur spontaneously. In 1988, Canadians had 15,000 hip fractures. Seventy percent can be attributed to osteoporosis. By 1993, the total number of hip fractures had increased to 25,000. Because the Canadian population is aging, it is estimated that hip fractures will increase by 73.7 percent between 1987 and 2006. Twelve to 20 percent of people who suffer a hip fracture will die of related complications. Two-thirds (68%) of hip fracture patients who survive for one year still cannot walk without assistance. That is about twice the number that needed help walking before the hip fracture. An even greater concern is the number of patients who are in wheelchairs or still bedridden one year after the fracture. This number increases from 6 percent before the hip fracture, to 23 percent in one-year survivors.
Spine fractures
Doctors call osteoporosis-related fractures in the spine 'wedge' or 'crush' fractures. They can occur spontaneously or as a result of a minor trauma, such as coughing, hugging, or lifting. Repeated fractures may cause:
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acute and chronic back pain
- a significant loss of height
- gastrointestinal or digestive problems
- respiratory or breathing problems, because of the ribcage abutting or pushing
on the pelvis
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| Wrist fractures |
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Osteoporosis-related fractures of the wrist are usually the result of a fall on the outstretched hand. This is called Colles' fracture. Wrist fractures are painful, and need to stay immobile in a plaster cast for four to six weeks. |
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