Bone Health
Up to 50% of post-menopausal women will experience a fragility fracture during their lifetime due to a disease called osteoporosis. More tragically, less than 10% of these women will have proper aftercare following a fracture.
Fragility fractures are essentially bone fractures that occur spontaneously without mechanical inputs or injury that would explain the fracture.
For example, one might assume grandmother fell in the shower and broke her hip, when the reality is she suffered a fragility fracture with the resultant fall.
Common sites for fragility fractures include the hip, the spine, shoulders, forearms and pelvis. With the exception of compression fractures in the spine at times producing pain, many of these women suffer osteoporosis silently without symptoms. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are associated with systemic autoimmune diseases, use of certain medications, endocrine disorders, being thinner, smoking, drinking and being sedentary. Being proactive with respect to bone health is of critical importance. Once osteoporosis is established, it is more difficult to reverse without medications in older age.
Critical components of Maintaining Healthy Bones Include:
Identifying and controlling any systemic disease process Ensuring protein, calorie, vitamin and mineral intake are adequate Maintaining a healthy body weight, particularly avoiding chronic low body mass Regular weight bearing exercise and sunshine More sensitive or earlier monitoring of bone density scans in women or men with relevant family history (examples include; parent suffered fragility fracture, chronic steroid use, infertility, chronic low body weight, autoimmune disease, history of smoking or chronic substance use).
What Are Fragility Fractures?
Definition Fragility fractures are bone breaks that occur spontaneously or with minimal stress, not explained by a fall or trauma. Common Sites These fractures most often affect the hip, spine, shoulder, forearm, and pelvis. Spinal compression fractures may cause back pain, but many fractures are silent. Misunderstood Causes Often mistaken for fall-related injuries, fragility fractures are actually a result of weakened bones due to osteoporosis.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis & Fragility Fractures
Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune disorders increase risk of bone loss. Medications Chronic steroid use and certain other drugs can weaken bones over time. Endocrine Disorders Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid or parathyroid disease, can affect bone strength. Lifestyle Factors Low body weight, smoking, alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle all increase risk.
Proactive Steps for Bone Health
Identify & Manage Underlying Conditions Treating systemic diseases helps protect bone health. Nutrition Adequate protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals — especially calcium and vitamin D — are essential. Maintain Healthy Body Weight Chronic low weight increases risk of bone loss and fractures. Exercise & Sunshine Weight-bearing exercise and natural sunlight support bone strength. Early Screening More frequent bone density scans are recommended for those with risk factors, including family history, steroid use, infertility, autoimmune disease, or substance use.