Osteoporosis
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Anyone can develop osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and more likely to break, but it is more common in older women. This disease progresses silently, and, in fact, most people remain undiagnosed until a bone breaks. Risk factors include aging, being small and thin, a family history, being female, poor health, smoking cigarettes, low calcium intake, excessive alcohol use, recurrent falls, inadequate exercise and having low bone mass.
Treatment/Procedures
Patients can treat a broken bone due to osteoporosis with Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF). Click on the procedure to find out more information, including an overview of the procedure, what to expect and how to prepare.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
Prevention
In order to prevent osteoporosis, get the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D, quit smoking and drinking in excess, exercise regularly and get regular bone density tests if needed.
Rehabilitation
Once the cast or splint is removed after open reduction internal fixation surgery, patients will need to loosen stiff muscles and ligaments. The doctor will prescribe a home exercise regimen that will include stretching, strengthening and increasing the range of motion to help ease patients back into their daily routine.
SOURCES
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Osteoporosis Foundation