對很多人來說,骨質疏鬆第一個症狀是骨折,也稱為脆性骨折。最常見的骨折部位是髖部、手腕和腰椎1,手腕和髖部骨折相對較易診斷,但多達 70% 的腰椎骨折未有被及時發現2,因為腰椎骨折的痛楚未必容易感受到,或者患者以為只是一般肌肉痠痛或其他健康問題。 一旦出現腰椎骨折,再次骨折的風險可增加四倍以上,而將來出現髖部骨折的風險亦增加一倍。3,4此外,腰椎骨折可能導致背痛加劇、增加臥床時間、減少活動甚至因而出現抑鬱症狀。5
以下三種關鍵跡象,可能反映您已出現腰椎骨折並持續惡化:
References
1 International Osteoporosis Foundation. Facts and statistics. osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics. Accessed: 30/10/2023.
2 Camacho PM, et al. Endocr Pract 2016;22:1–42.
3 Kanis JA, et al. Osteoporos Int 2013;24:23–57.
4 Black DM, et al. N Engl J Med 2007;356:1809–22.
5 International Osteoporosis Foundation. Treatment. osteoporosis.foundation/patients/treatment. Accessed: 30/10/2023.
6 International Osteoporosis Foundation. Love your bones: Protect your future. 2016. osteoporosis.foundation/educational-hub/material/brochures. Accessed: 30/10/2023.
7 Healthy Bones Australia. Osteoporosis treatment and bone health. healthybonesaustralia.org.au. Accessed: 30/10/2023