The Impact of Osteoporosis
Typically, bones undergo constant remodelling. There is a fine balance between the breakdown of old bone tissue and creation of new bone tissue that is needed to keep the strength, structure, and density of the bones.
In people with osteoporosis, this balance is lost and gradual bone loss occurs over time, causing weakness and a higher risk for fractures, particularly in the wrists, spine, shoulders, and hips. While the physical impact of osteoporosis can be devasting, it can also affect a person’s mental health and autonomy.
Hip Fracture
Osteoporosis causes over 80% of all fractures in people aged 50+. Over 1 in 4 women and 1 in 3 men who experience a hip fracture will die within one year. Hip fractures are among the most common sites of osteoporotic fractures.
Vertebral Fracture
Rather than being snapped, as occurs with a broken arm, spinal vertebrae can be compressed in the same way that a paper cup would be flattened when stepped on.
Spine compression fractures may be accompanied by pain, but in many instances, fractures of the spine may go unnoticed. Spine fractures due to osteoporosis can lead to pain and deformity, known as kyphosis, that may get worse over time.
Hunchback (Kyphosis)
Hunchback (kyphosis) is an obvious curve in the upper spine that results in a hunchback appearance. This condition leaves the patient with a stooped posture that can cause embarrassment and self-esteem issues, leaving them dissatisfied with their physical appearance. Kyphosis can cause back pain and difficulty walking and breathing.
Depression
Many patients who experience a fracture face a variety of lifestyle changes. In the first year following a hip fracture, patients are less likely to leave the house and more likely to report significant depression-like symptoms.
Twenty percent of patients who experienced a hip fracture reported feeling down, depressed, and hopeless most days during their first year of recovery.
PTSD
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a disorder that can develop when some people experience a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Fear is a natural part of the body’s response to trauma, but for some, the initial symptoms do not go away after the trauma.
Studies have shown that many patients hospitalized after a fall show symptoms of substantial post-traumatic stress like numbing, avoidance, and re-experience.
Isolation
Patients with a hip fracture are more likely to report being kept from their favourite activity due to their health for up to 2 years after their initial fracture. Studies also suggest that patients who report experiences of depression-like symptoms have poor outcomes during the recovery process.
It is important to encourage patients with a fracture to stay connected with social groups, family, and friends to help improve recovery.
Independence
Individuals affected by a hip fracture often experience a loss of independence, and only 44% of patients discharged from the hospital return home, with the remaining patients going to another hospital, rehab centre, or long-term care facility.
Patients who experience a hip fracture are also less likely to drive and leave their home 1 year after the fracture.
Work
In 2011, osteoporosis fractures resulted in nearly 1.5 million days of lost work for Canadian patients and over 400,000 days of lost work for caregivers of those patients.
Finances
The financial burden of experiencing a fracture can vary, but many people need to make costly lifestyle changes. Eighty-five percent of patients with a fracture require homecare, and 90% of patients requiring long-term care need a mobility device, costing over $100 million.