Colles' fracture - is it a signal of osteoporosis?

Asymptomatic post-menopausal osteoporosis is common but some-times associated with pain and deformity. Symptomatic osteoporosis is usually associated with fracture. A 59 years old post-menopausal woman presented with a history of acute low-back-pain. She had menopause for 12 years. She gave history of colles' fracture at about two years back. Her mother died as consequences of femoral neck fracture. MRI of vertebral spine showed demineralization with partial collapse of D6,7,12 and L1 vertebra. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of vertebra showed BMD T-score of -4.5. Patient was managed with IV infusion of zoledronic acid, oral intake of vitamin D and calcium supplements and with regular non-weight-bearing exercises. Her condition improved gradually. During post-menopausal period, every women must be aware of osteoporosis and any fracture in that time must be evaluated to rule out osteoporosis.