by Editorial Staff and Contributors
Osteoporosis is usually treated with medicines and certain lifestyle changes. Surgery may be advised when a broken bone needs to be fixed.
This procedure will return a broken bone to its proper place. There are 2 types:
Later, doctor may use x-rays to make sure the bone is in the proper place.
Most bones need about 6 weeks to heal. Some bones take longer. Work with your healthcare team and physical therapist to find exercises that will help you recover faster.
Osteoporosis puts you at a greater risk of having a vertebral compression fracture. This happens in the bones of the back. The front parts of the spinal column are most affected. These breaks cause intense pain and disability. They can be treated with:
Osteoporosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113815/Osteoporosis . Updated February 1, 2018. Accessed June 26, 2018.
Osteoporosis and spinal fractures. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeonswebsite. Available at: https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteoporosis-and-spinal-fractures. Updated January 2016. Accessed May 19, 2016.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA279. Reviewed January 2016.
Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcie L. Sidman, MD