In the United States, at least 10.2 million people over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.
About 4.4 percent of men and 19.6 percent of women in this age range have the disease.
Because of their high rate of osteoporosis, women have an increased risk of insufficiency fracture.
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The following types of insufficiency fractures are most common.
In at least 80 percent of cases, the pubic ramus fractures in two places at once.
This bone tends to break on the top and the bottom of the ring.
In people with osteoporosis, the pubic ramus bones often fracture during a low-impact fall.
As many as two-thirds of pelvic ring insufficiency fractures in people with osteoporosis happen without any known traumatic event.
The sacrum connects to thetailboneand forms the back wall of the pelvis, helping to support and stabilize it.
A femoral neck fracture can cut off blood supply to the femoral head, resulting in avascular necrosis.
Eventually, this can cause the femoral head to collapse.
Like other insufficiency fractures, acetabular fractures commonly occur after a low-impact fall with osteoporosis.
Recap
Most insufficiency fractures affect the pelvis, specifically the pubic ramus and sacral bones.
The femoral neck bones and the acetabular bones are the sites of most hip fractures.
If you have osteoporosis, these bones can easily fracture due to minor accidents and falls.
And they also cause specific effects, depending on the location and size of the fracture.
Your doctor will likely begin by asking you about your pain.
They may have you lie on your back while they move your leg at various angles.
Doctors use these maneuvers to check how your hip moves and whether or not there is swelling.
Insufficiency fractures can sometimes be misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.
Don’t hesitate to speak up or get a second opinion if your pain is persistent and unexplained.
Your doctor will likely order imaging tests.
Slowly, this approach should improve your mobility and lead to recovery.
Depending on those test results, you may need to start takingcalciumandvitamin D supplementsto strengthen your bones.
Taking care of the injury as soon as possible improves your chances for a full recovery.
However, there can be complications.
Fractures that get worse or don’t improve may require surgery and a significantly longer recovery period.
If you experience pain, it’s important to visit your doctoreven if you don’t recall injuring yourself.
Understanding osteoporosis, learning how to prevent injury, and joining a support group may help you cope.
Correction - September 8, 2023: This article was updated to correct the definition of a sacroplasty.
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