OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES: PROFILE OF PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr. Salim Kamal*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a common worldwide disease which is characterized by reduction of bone mass and alteration of bone architecture and results in in increased bone fragility and increased risk of fracture. Because of aging of the population the prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to increase significantly in the future. Postmenopausal women and elderly men are most commonly affected by the osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is defined as “a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength leading to an increased risk of fracture.” According to the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Panel. Osteoporosis is subdivided into primary osteoporosis and secondary osteoporosis. Primary osteoporosis includes postmenopausal osteoporosis (type I) and senile osteoporosis (type II), and secondary osteoporosis, definable etiologic diseases such as malabsorption, medications such as glucocorticoids, hyperparathyroidism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of the population affected by osteoporotic fractures which includes proximal femur and proximal humerus fracture, distal radius, and the thoraco-lumbar spine fracture. Material And Methods: Study group (osteoporotic fractures,: Patients above 45 years of age presenting any one or a combination of the following fractures: proximal femur, proximal humerus, distal radius, and thoraco-lumbar spine, with a mechanism of low-energy trauma. Patients with high-energy fractures were not included. Data on demographic profile, fracture type, habits, personal history, previous fractures, level of physical activity, use of medications and behavioral measures to treat osteoporosis, and functional assessment was collected. Results: In our study it was found that there was female preponderance in both the groups in control group there were 18 males and 32 females while in osteoporotic fracture group there were 13 male and 37 females. Mean age in control group was 64.7 ±10.6 while in osteoporotic fracture group was 74.18 ±9.6. Weight in osteoporotic fracture group was higher (69 ± 15.4) than control group (63.9 ± 12.5). In control group 1(2%) was observed associated with Rheumatoid arthritis while in osteoporotic fracture group 3(6%) patients were observed. Most of the fracture were due to slip or fall. Out of 50 fractures included in the study 21(42%) were fracture of the proximal femur, 11(22%) were Proximal humerus, 16(32%) Distal radius and 2(4%) were Thoraco-lumbar spine fracture. Conclusion: Osteoporosis leads to an increased risk of fracture. Patients with osteoporotic fractures were older, a greater number were women, weighed less, had lower BMI.

Keywords: Osteoporosis, proximal femur, proximal humerus, distal radius.