Osteoporosis causes 1.5 million fractures every year. These are called fragility fractures. They are caused by weakened bone with a loss of bone density or mass. The most common fragility fracture is a vertebral compression fracture (VCF).
The fracture can occur with just regular movement or after only a minor injury. The pain is made worse by standing up straight or extending the spine. The patient becomes more stooped over. This position puts even more pressure on the spinal bones and decreases lung capacity.
Conservative care such as your aunt is receiving is the first step for many patients. Bracing, activity changes, and pain medications help a large number of people with this condition. For those who can only tolerate bed rest, there is a concern about the effects of immobility. The risk of pneumonia, bed sores, and blood clots goes up for the bed bound patient.
Surgery isn’t always possible because of how fragile and weak the bones are. The forces and stresses put on them during a fusion operation may be too much to even attempt.
A newer method called vertebroplasty may help a small number of carefully selected patients. In this procedure, cement is injected into the collapsed vertebra to help fill in the cracks and strengthen it.
Recovery from VCFs depends on the general health and motivation of the patient. It is a painful condition, and that factor alone can keep even the most motivated person from making progress.
However, once the pain is under control, your aunt should be under the guidance of a physical therapist who can help her get her strength and function back. Depending on her health and personal factors, she may be able to progress through the program and return home within days to weeks.