Other Fractures

How common are other fractures at other sites besides the hip, spine or wrist?

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, there are more than 300,000 fractures related to osteoporosis at other sites.  In addition to the hip, spine, or wrist, other common sites for broken bones include the rib, pelvis, ankle, foot, and arm.

What can cause a fracture?

Most fractures that occur in adulthood with minimal trauma, such as after a fall from standing height, are often a consequence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent disease without symptoms. A fracture is warning sign that an individual may have low bone mass or osteoporosis.

How do rib fractures usually occur?

A rib fracture can occur while coughing or sneezing, from banging into something, or even when being hugged too tightly.

How would I know if I had a rib fracture?

You may have pain, especially when taking a breath. Other signs are tenderness, shallow breathing, or holding your chest. If the rib fracture is caused by an injury, you may have bruising at the place of the injury.

How are rib fractures diagnosed and treated?

You may need chest x-rays to see if your rib is broken and to find out how well it is healing. You may experience pain over the injured rib(s) for several weeks that usually improves with time. Initially, your medical professional may recommend applying icepacks or heat over the injured rib(s). In the first few weeks after a fracture, your medical professional may prescribe an over-the-counter medication for pain or a prescription pain-reliever if the pain is severe.

To prevent breathing complications after a rib fracture, deep breathing and coughing exercises (using a pillow to support the injured rib area), are often recommended by medical professionals. To increase your level of comfort and prevent injury to areas surrounding the fracture, your medical professional may advise you to limit certain activities during the healing process. Rib fractures related to osteoporosis usually heal on their own without surgery, casting, or splinting.

How do pelvic fractures occur?

A pelvic fracture can occur from a fall or sometimes it can happen spontaneously, without any noticeable cause.

How would I know if I had a pelvic fracture?

The primary symptom of a pelvic fracture is pain in the groin, hip, or lower back, that may worsen when walking or moving the legs.

How are pelvic fractures diagnosed?

To diagnose a pelvic fracture, your medical professional will typically look for bone tenderness, limitations of movement, difficulty walking, and any loss of nerve function in the lower part of the body. In addition, the medical professional looks for signs of injury to nearby organs. An x-ray of the pelvis will usually confirm the presence of a fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, other imaging procedures and diagnostic tests may be required.

How are pelvic fractures treated?

Depending on the severity of your fracture, your medical professional, may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medication for pain. Initially, bed rest may be required and your medical professional may advise you to limit certain activities during the healing process. Pelvic fractures related to osteoporosis rarely require surgery, casting, or even splinting. The prognosis for minor pelvic fractures is excellent. Most people gain full mobility in a matter of weeks or months.

To assist you with rehabilitation, speak to your medical professional about referral to a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help you gain your highest level of independence and when necessary instruct you about how to use assistive devices such as crutches, a cane or a walker.

How can fractures be avoided?

If you have had a fracture and have not yet had a BMD (bone mineral density) test, speak to your medical professional about having this simple, noninvasive test. A BMD test can diagnose low bone mass or osteoporosis. Low bone mass is the single most important risk factor for fracture. A BMD test can be used by your medical professional to help predict your chances for fracturing in the future and to help monitor your response to treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may be more vulnerable to bone fractures. It is important to speak to your medical professional to determine if it is necessary to take an FDA-approved osteoporosis medication. If an osteoporosis medication is prescribed, it is important to take it as directed in order to reduce your risk for bone loss and fracture.

In addition, it is always important to follow the universal strategies for healthy bones. These strategies include:

• Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D each day.
• Exercising to the extent of your limitations, on a regular basis, using principles of safe movement.
• Avoiding smoking and the use of tobacco products.
• Limiting alcohol consumption - Excessive doses of alcohol are harmful to bones and increase the risk for fractures related to more frequent falls and accidents.
• Taking safety precautions to prevent falls is important for everyone but it is a special concern if you have an increased tendency to fall due to a medical condition or the need to take certain medications that cause lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Following safety strategies in your home and outdoors is imperative to prevent falls.
• Reviewing the medications that you take with your medical professional to determine if any may contribute to bone loss. It is important to discuss options with your medical professional and make sure that you are on the lowest possible doses to control your medical condition. Always take the medication prescribed by your medical professional as directed.

Healthy bones are a lifetime commitment. It is never too early or too late to take the steps to prevent osteoporosis. At any age you can reduce your risk for falling and breaking a bone.