Healing After A Broken Bonene

AT this time of year when it’s dark and icy outside, it’s natural to feel more nervous about having a fall.

We can’t stay cooped up indoors all the time, but there is good reason to slow down a bit and take care.

After the age of fifty, one in two women will suffer from a bone fracture (broken bone). So will one in five men.

Some of these fractures are indeed caused by falls and other accidents, but that’s not the whole story. The statistic also includes vertebral fractures, which are tiny breaks in the spine, and you may not know when or how they happened.

Fortunately, if you do suffer from a bone fracture you can get a lot of support while you recover, and to stop it happening again.

This is what I heard from Julia Thomson, Nurse Manager and Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse at the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS).

Her team on the NOS helpline hears from many people who have broken a bone, often in the wrist, spine or hip.

A low-trauma wrist fracture, where the force behind the blow was not especially strong, is often the first warning sign of osteoporosis (weak bones), she explained. This commonly happens when someone trips and puts out their arm to break the fall.

Most people make a good recovery. But it’s important to have a follow-up chat with your hospital doctor or GP, and ask them to assess your risk for osteoporosis.

The doctor may recommend a bone density scan (also called a DEXA scan), or they may suggest bonestrengthening medication right away, based on your medical history alone.

There are a range of osteoporosis medications and they can reduce the risk of a second fracture, which is a common dread. Your doctor can talk you through the possible drawbacks and benefits of these treatments.

Osteoporosis medication may also be recommended if you’ve been diagnosed with a spinal (vertebral) fracture.

Signs that you might have this kind of fracture include loss of height, back pain, and a change in your posture.

Please do see your GP if you’re experiencing these symptoms. They may recommend an X-ray to check your spine before deciding on next steps. They can also suggest ongoing pain-relief measures.

Recovering from a hip fracture is hardest, sometimes involving a long hospital stay, and it’s more common in older people. Support from a physiotherapist can help you make the best recovery possible.

Whatever type of fracture you have, it’s important to stay as active as you can because this actually reduces the risk of future breaks. Your doctor, therapist or nurse can advise you on safe exercise choices.

You can also contact the NOS helpline on 0808 800 0035 for support and advice from their team of specialist nurses, or visit www.nos. org.uk for information on recovery, treatment, and living well after a fracture. ■