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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing how osteoporosis can cause vertebrae to crumple and collapse. Compression fractures

Osteoporosis Insight

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Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complication of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often result from a fall and can result in disability and even death from postoperative complications, especially in older adults.

In some cases, spinal fractures can occur even if you haven't fallen. The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point that they may crumple, which can result in back pain, lost height and a hunched forward posture.

Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Osteoporosis: Handout on health. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/osteoporosis_hoh.asp. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  2. Rosen C. Osteoporosis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  3. De Paula FJ, et al. Osteoporosis. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4377-0986-5..C2009-0-38984-9--TOP&isbn=978-1-4377-0986-5&about=true&uniqId=236797353-5. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  4. Weppner DM, et al. Osteoporosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed Oct. 25, 2011.
  5. Koch TR, et al. Postoperative metabolic and nutritional complications of bariatric surgery. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2010;39:109.
  6. Rosen HN. Bisphosphonates in the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  7. Finkelstein JS. Treatment of osteoporosis in men. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  8. Rosen CJ. Parathyroid hormone therapy for osteoporosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  9. Rosen HN. Denosumab for osteoporosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  10. Kennel KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 27, 2011.
  11. National Osteoporosis Foundation: Community groups. http://www.nof.org/community/communitygroups. Accessed Oct. 26, 2011.
  12. Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine. http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Report-Brief.aspx. Accessed Oct. 27, 2011.
  13. AskMayoExpert. How much vitamin D is adequate to prevent vitamin D deficiency? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2011.
  14. Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 2, 2011.
DS00128 Dec. 13, 2011

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