Broken bones or fractures usually occur in the hip, spine and wrist. Any bone can be affected by osteoporosis. However, most fractures occur in the hip and spine. Hip fractures are usually painful and require hospitalization and major surgery. When a hip fracture occurs, permanent or prolonged disability may occur.
Fractures occuring in the spine and vertebrae also have serious consequences.
These consequences may be loss of height, severe back pain and deformity. Osteoporosis primarily affects post- menopausal women. When bones are extremely thinned, a cough or a sneeze may fracture a rib or partially collapse one of the bones of the spine. There are no outward symptoms of osteoporosis. An individual who looks healthy or not may be suffering from osteoporosis.