Outlook

With adequate treatment, the progression of osteoporosis can be slowed, stopped, or reversed. Nevertheless, some people become severely disabled as a result of weakened bones. About 26% of patients will fracture their hip, pelvis, vertebrae, wrist, humerus, or leg in the year following an osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Hip fractures are a frequent fracture and leave about half of those who break a hip unable to walk independently. Women who have a hip fracture are at fourfold greater risk for a second hip fracture. There is a 20% overall increase in mortality (death rate) in the year after a hip fracture. By age 80 years, 15% of women and 5% of men have hip fractures. Thus, osteoporosis is a serious disease that requires better efforts at prevention, detection, and treatment.

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Osteoporosis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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The symptoms of osteoporosis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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