Pathophysiology of Fractures

Abstract

Fractures are the complication of osteoporosis much as strokes are the complication and result of hypertension. It is only through fractures that osteoporosis manifests its clinical effects or has clinical relevance. Fractures occur in patients with decreased bone strength who experience an injury. Thus the pathophysiology of fractures encompasses a multitude of factors which determine bone strength (bone mass, bone quality, age and skeletal geometry) and the frequency, nature of and effects of injuries (Figure 5.1). Each of these factors becomes more prevalent with advancing age, resulting in the exponential increase in the prevalence of fractures related to osteoporosis in elderly individuals. Understanding the determinants of fracture risk provides the basis of appropriate and effective interventions to reduce fracture frequency and the complications of osteoporosis.