A disease that affects the bones due to a decrease in bone mass, in particular proteins and minerals, especially calcium. This makes the bone fragile and weaker than normal, meaning that it can fracture easily with the slightest trauma and the angle of the physiological curves can vary due to vertebral wedging, leading to hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis.
Its onset is due to factors such as inadequate bone renewal or excessive resorption by the osteoblasts and lack of bone mass during development. Some factors, such as menopause, smoking, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle or the effect of endocrines, drugs, malnutrition, etc., promote bone mass loss and the on set of osteoporosis.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Vertebral bone mass loss causes wedging of the vertebral bodies with the consequent increase in kyphotic and lordotic curves, resulting in hyperkyphosis and hyperlordosis, and leading to pain and decreased mobility. Bone fragility increases the risk of compression fractures or injury from minimal trauma.
Osteoporosis - Orthotic Treatment
Along with diet, vitamin D supplements and medication to restore the bone’s calcium and minerals, and physical exercise, it is necessary to realign the physiological curves to correct kyphosis and lordosis, improve load distribution and minimise the progression of the vertebral wedging, as well as providing the necessary protection for the fragile bone. Lumbar and dorsolumbar orthoses provide systems with varying degrees of protection and unloading, with selection depending on the severity of the condition, degree of wedging or type of fracture in the spine.Hyperextension orthoses like the Jewett brace, or similar, enable realignment and prevent vertebral wedging. The materials with which the orthosis is made, reinforcement through stays, posterior metal or thermoplastic structures, such as pelvic baskets, and the different adjustment and tightening systems determine the selection of the most appropriate orthosis based on the morphology of the patient and the state of progression of the osteoporosis.