Bone Health Program

What is a fragility fracture?

• A fragility fracture is a broken bone related to weakened bones.
• A minor event such as falling from standing, or during coughing, twisting or straining can cause a fragility fracture- most often in the hip, wrist, spine or foot.
• After having a hip fracture, many people can no longer live independently and may need to live with family or go to a nursing home, after discharge from the hospital.

Am I at risk of a fragility fracture?

• The older you are, the higher your risk; almost half of all adults age 50 or older are at risk for a broken bone and should be concerned about bone health
• One out of every two women and one in four men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime
• People who have had one fragility fracture, have higher risk for another fracture, if they do not receive treatment for osteoporosis.
• Family history of bone loss or fragility fracture
• Low body weight
• Ethnicity: highest risk for Caucasian and Asian women. African American and Hispanic women have lower risk, yet it is still significant.
• Life style: Inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, low vitamin D and calcium levels

How do I know if I have osteoporosis?

• Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because there are no symptoms.
• People with osteoporosis may not know they have it, until they break a bone.
• If the spine is affected, there may be severe back pain, loss of height, or stooping posture.