⸺Osteoporosis⸺

Bone fractures caused by osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that makes the bones porous and more likely to break. In patients with severe osteoporosis of the spine, even tripping or a minor fall onto the buttocks can cause a vertebral fracture.

⸻ Osteoporosis

Typical symptoms of osteoporosis of the spine

Osteoporosis can have many different causes. It is influenced by genetic, hormonal, and mechanical factors, as well as by body weight and diet. At least six million people in Germany live with osteoporosis. It mainly affects older adults. In Western countries, more than 80% of fractures in people over 50 are caused by osteoporosis. However, most patients who sustain vertebral fractures as a result of osteoporosis have not previously been diagnosed with the condition.

Osteoporosis often first becomes noticeable as back pain after an accident, a minor fall, or improper or heavy lifting. If a vertebra fractures and remains misaligned, the neighboring vertebrae have to bear more load. The misalignment often causes the upper body to lean forward and, in older people, can lead to a hunched back. The hunched posture, reduced spinal stability, and overall imbalance also make everyday activities more physically demanding, leading to quicker fatigue and reduced mobility in older people. A particularly noticeable sign is a rapid loss of height.

1. Healthy bone

2. Osteopenia

3. Osteoporosis

Prevention and nonsurgical treatment

Initially, osteoporosis and osteoporotic vertebral fractures are treated with medication, including specific osteoporosis medications and pain medication. Several effective medications can reduce the risk of further vertebral fractures by 30–70% when taken regularly. In addition, the following measures to prevent fractures are particularly important.

These include

    • A balanced diet (including dairy products and foods rich in calcium and vitamin D)

    • Adequate sleep

    • Regular physical activity and exposure to sunlight

    • Limiting coffee

    • Avoiding nicotine and alcohol

Older people who have sustained a vertebral fracture should begin moving again as soon as possible after an initial period of rest, with pain medication and physical therapy to support recovery.

Surgical treatment

If severe pain does not improve with nonsurgical treatment, a minimally invasive procedure such as balloon kyphoplasty may be an option. This can help restore the height of a collapsed vertebra. If the spine is severely deformed or several sections are affected, it may need to be stabilized with screws and rods. Minimally invasive techniques can also be used for these procedures, making surgery possible even for patients of advanced age.

Balloon kyphoplasty: before and after treatment

Osteoporosis FAQs

1What is osteoporosis of the spine?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which bones lose density and become porous. As a result, the risk of vertebral fractures increases. These fractures can limit the range of motion of the spine and reduce the spine’s ability to withstand physical loads.
2What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis often causes no symptoms for many years. Common symptoms include sudden severe back pain after only minor physical activity, an increasingly rounded or hunched back, a loss of more than 4 cm in height, and recurrent vertebral fractures without any significant injury.
3How can people with osteoporosis prevent vertebral fractures?
A healthy lifestyle can help prevent further osteoporotic vertebral fractures. This includes a balanced diet with foods rich in vitamin D, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and exposure to sunlight. Physicians also recommend avoiding alcohol and smoking and limiting coffee consumption.
4How is osteoporosis of the spine treated?
Osteoporosis can be treated with medications that either slow bone loss or help build new bone. Patients who have recently sustained a vertebral fracture can wear a special spinal brace for six to twelve weeks to stabilize the spine and support an upright posture. Other treatment options include physical therapy, other physical treatments, and pain medication.
5When is surgery necessary for osteoporosis?
Surgery may be needed when a severe vertebral fracture does not improve after six to twelve weeks of nonsurgical treatment, or when the fracture is unstable, causes neurological problems, or results in severe spinal deformity.