[Osteoporotic fractures of axial skeleton]
M J Scheyerer1, H-P Simmen, G A Wanner
1Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsspital Zürich. clement.werner@usz.ch
Abstract:
Osteoporotic fractures most frequently first occur in the axial skeleton, especially in the vertebral bodies of the thoracolumbar transition. Beside pain, these fractures cause increasing kyphosis leading to changes in statics and a shift of the bodies' center of gravity. This results in physiological, functional as well as neurological consequences that cannot be managed by means of a conservative therapy. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview on diagnostics and therapy of such fractures. Furthermore, fractures of the pubic rami need to be mentioned. They pose another frequent location for osteoporotic fractures and are also associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:09Overview of the Axial Skeleton
The axial skeleton of the adult...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
01:27Compact Bone
Compact bone, also called cortical bone, is the denser, stronger of the two types of bone tissue. It is found under the periosteum and in the diaphyses of long bones, where it provides support and protection. The microscopic structural unit of compact bone is called an osteon, or haversian system. Each osteon is composed of concentric rings of calcified...
01:12General Case of Eccentric Axial Loading
Consider a member subjected to equal and opposite forces that are applied along a line that does not coincide with the member's neutral axis. In unsymmetrical bending,...