This article focuses on fractures of the thoracic spine (midback) and lumbar spine (lower back) that result from a high-energy event, such as a car crash or a fall from a ladder. These types of fractures are typically medical emergencies that require urgent treatment.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Hip fractures are serious injuries that most often occur in people aged 65 and older. Women are especially vulnerable to hip fractures. Most hip fractures are caused by factors that weaken bone, such as osteoporosis, combined with the impact from a fall.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. Most stress fractures are caused by overuse and repetitive activity, and are common in runners and athletes. This article describes the causes and symptoms of stress fractures and includes tips for preventing them.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Distal radius fractures are very common. In fact, the radius is the most commonly broken bone in the arm. Treatment depends on many factors, such as the nature of the fracture, your age, and your activity level.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Fractures caused by osteoporosis most often occur in the spine. These spinal fractures — called vertebral compression fractures — are almost twice as common as other fractures typically linked to osteoporosis, such as broken hips and wrists.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
As we age, our bones are affected by genetics, nutrition, exercise, and hormonal loss. Although we cannot change our genes, there are many things we can do to improve bone strength, such as managing our diet and activity level.| orthoinfo.aaos.org
Developing a higher peak bone mass when you are young will better protect you against osteoporosis and related fractures later in life. There are things you can do at every stage of life to help build bone mass, including making sure you get enough calcium and Vitamin D.| orthoinfo.aaos.org