It is defined as a reduction in bone mass, reduction in the organic part of the bone - minerals.

 

It is more common in women after menopause.

 

Use of cortisol (steroid) may cause osteoporosis.

 

Apart from this, it can be seen in some metabolic diseases or with advanced ages.

 

It can be seen in people who cannot get enough sunlight.

 

Bone measurement (DEXA) is required to determine the degree and diagnosis of osteoporosis. This test may be necessary in cases where the bone quality is low in direct X-rays.

 

Spinal fractures may occur due to osteoporosis. This type of fractures usually occur without serious trauma. The majority of these fractures (approximately 80%) that occurred in the weakened spine due to osteoporosis have been found accidentally during the examination of patients with lower back and back pain.

 

The intensity of the pain caused by this type of fractures may change, and can seriously affect the daily functioning and quality of life of patients. However, about half of the patients may not feel pain, and therefore appropriate measures to treat the fractureand prevent the occurrence of other fractures may be disrupted.

 

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures may be a predictor of osteoporotic fractures. In women, the presence of an osteoporotic spine fracture increases the risk of a new spinal fracture by four times. The risk of a new fracture is particularly high during the first year.

 

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT

 

The most important ways of protection from osteoporosis are to take enough sunlight (for producing vitamin D), regular physical activity and to take adequate amounts of calcium via balanced nutrition.

 

In the treatment of osteoporosis, drug therapy can be applied according to age and the degree of bone thinning.

 

In case of fracture; resting, pain reliever and corset treatment are standard non-surgical treatments.

 

SURGICAL TREATMENT

 

Contrary to classical fractures, filling of these types of fractures with closed methods (vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty) gives successful results.

 

1- only local pain reliever and sedative drug is applied to the patient

 

2-closed method is goes through a rather small hole

 

3- if necessary, the height of the collapsed spine is regained

 

4- Filling material is given to the fracture area

 

5- The patient will be discharged on the same day

 

If the pain does not pass after these procedures or if the spinal curvature develops due to fracture, instrumentation and fusion surgery can be performed.