[Physical rehabilitation for osteoporotic fractures]

Osteoporotic fractures usually occur in elderly patients. If the patients are kept in bed due to pain or therapeutic purposes, they are likely to suffer from various complications such as suppressed physical function, pneumonia, pressure sore, dementia, and deep vein thrombosis. Such disuse syndrome is commonly observed after femoral neck fracture and spinal compression fracture in the osteoporotic patients. In order to prevent the patients from the bed ridden condition, early ambulation is mandatory in consideration of the general condition. After ambulation, the maintenance of daily physical activity and the prevention of additional fractures are essential points in the management of osteoporotic patients.