Preventing life-impacting fragility fractures
By Sandra Amadon, MD
More than 2 million fragility bone fractures occur in the United States each year — more than heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer cases combined. They can impact quality of life and lead to hospital admissions and disability.
Many fragility fractures are caused by osteoporosis, which weakens bones. They often occur from a fall, when someone is attempting to stand, or even when they are seated or already standing. The hip, spine and wrist are most at risk. There is also a high risk of a new fracture within two years.
Education, exercise, vitamins and minerals, smoking cessation and reduced alcohol use can help prevent fragility fractures. Bone density testing and medication management are also important prevention tools. Health care providers can help provide these services.
According to the National Institutes of Health, osteoporosis affects about one in five women over age 50, and one in 20 men. Among women, those of White and Asian descent are more likely to develop the condition.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women over age 65 be tested for osteoporosis, and that other women with risk factors also get tested.
Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- A family history of broken bones or osteoporosis.
- History of a broken bone after age 50.
- Previous surgery to remove the ovaries before menstruation periods stopped naturally.
- Poor dietary habits, including insufficient amounts of calcium, vitamin D or protein.
- Physical inactivity or prolonged periods of bedrest.
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Heavy use of alcohol.
- Long-term use of certain medications.
- Altered levels of hormones.
- Low body mass index or underweight.
Providers use bone density scans and other screening tools to diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia, another form of low bone density. A physical exam, questionnaire and an ultrasound are typically included in a screening appointment.
Your provider will use your results to develop an individual plan of care with you. Your plan will include lifestyle considerations and recommendations. Exercise, nutrition, education and medications that can slow bone loss or rebuild bone may be considered, depending on the severity of the condition and other factors.
Education can help you learn about movements that can cause fragility fractures and ways to avoid those movements. Research-based educational programs are instrumental in teaching people how to avoid falls.
Everyone who might be at risk for falls or osteoporosis should stop smoking and limit alcohol use.
ProHealth Care partners with the American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone program, a national initiative designed to help prevent fragility fractures. Bone density tests can be performed at several ProHealth locations.
If you or someone you know might be at risk for fragility fractures, talk to your health care provider about bone health.
Sandra Amadon, MD, is a family medicine provider specializing in occupational medicine. She oversees the bone health program at ProHealth Care.
