This common metabolic bone disorder is characterized by a reduction in bone mass that endangers the biomechanical integrity of the skeleton leading to bone fragility and a consequent fracture risk. The burden for the person is probably not great until the fracture. Long bone fractures if set properly and heal normally are not painful. Hip fractures are normally seen in the old, old, whereas, spinal fractures are seen in the middle aged. Fractures of the spine heal with reversible displacement and decrease the quality of life and productivity of the person.
Spinal fractures distort the skeletal anatomy and collapse truncal height.
This causes reduction to the thoracic and abdominal cavities, embarrasses the action of the heart, lungs, stomach and bladder, causing breathing problems, hiatus hernia and urinary incontinence. The financial burden in Oklahoma is expect to rise because fracture rates increase with age, and our aging population is growing rapidly. In addition to the financial burden attributed to this disease,osteoporosis has a profound effect on the quality of life of older individuals. For the older adult with osteoporosis typically experiences reduced mobility, pain, loss of independence and psychological distress with the postural disfigurement and fear of additional falls and fractures. Each year some 15,000 fractures will occur among Oklahoma women due to osteoporosis.