Fracture of the humerus bone

Osteoporosis leads to a higher risk of fractures due to the decreased density and increased thinness of the bone.

Fractures due to osteoporosis can lead to changes in posture (e.g. a stoop or Dowager’s hump), muscle weakness, loss of height and bone deformity.

Fractures can lead to chronic pain, disability, loss of independence and even premature death.

More information can be found in the Osteoporosis and Fractures brochure which can be downloaded or ordered from our office.

The Fracture Cascade

Approximately 50% of people with one fracture due to osteoporosis will have another, and the risk of new fractures rises exponentially with each new fracture. This is known as ‘the cascade effect’.

This ‘cascade effect’ is responsible for women who have suffered a fracture in their spine being four times more likely to have another fracture within 12 months, compared with women who have never had an osteoporotic fracture.

See our page Falls and Fracture Prevention for more about preventing osteoporosis-related fractures.