Possible Complications
Fractures and their complications are the most relevant clinical sequela of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis may also be associated with joint pain and bone pain (osteomyalgia).
Osteoporosis-related fractures have a heavy social and economic burden, and can markedly affect a person’s functional status, putting a strain on interpersonal relationships and social roles. Individuals that are immobile are at risk of complications such as pressures sores, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Hip fractures are associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of future fractures.1
As well as interfering with activities of daily living, some fractures can have specific complications:
Table 1. Complications of fractures.2
| Type of fracture | Complications |
| Vertebral |
Back pain Height loss Kyphosis (commonly known as ‘Dowager’s hump’) |
| Multiple thoracic | Restrictive lung disease |
| Lumbar fractures |
Constipation Abdominal pain Distention Reduced appetite Premature satiety |
References
- Colón-Emeric C, Kuchibhatla M, Pieper C, et al. The contribution of hip fracture to risk of subsequent fracture: Data from two longitudinal studies. Osteoporos Int. 2003;14:879–883.
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National Osteoporosis Foundation. Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Accessed 21 February 2011.