Have you broken a bone? People break bones every day – many from just a minor fall, such as slipping over in the kitchen, this can be written off as an accident. But a broken bone can be more than just an accident; it is a warning sign for osteoporosis.^1-3

It’s not just a broken bone, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong

A fragility fracture is a broken bone that happens after a fall from standing height or less. Suffering a broken bone from a minor bump or fall is a warning sign that you have weak bones, caused by osteoporosis.⁴ Every three seconds a bone will break, somewhere in the world because of this disease.⁵

Once you break a bone, you are more likely to break another one

The first fragility fracture can often seem minor – like a wrist fracture. It may take any time between 8 weeks to 6 months for the bones to mend, and result in discomfort or stiffness for much longer.⁶ However, your next fracture might be much worse – a hip or spine fracture. Hip fractures especially have very serious consequences, they often require surgery and can result in loss of independence, admission to a nursing home or even death.⁴

With each fragility fracture, the risk of another fracture increases:

• After any fragility fracture, the risk of another fracture is increased up to 10 times⁷

• After a spinal fracture, the risk of another spinal fracture is increased 7.3 times⁸

• After a hip fracture, the risk of another hip fracture is increased 7.1 times in the first 3 months alone⁹

This is why it is important to be aware that something as simple as a broken bone can mean so much more.

You should be concerned about osteoporosis if you trip over and break a bone

If you have had a broken bone from a minor fall or bump, and are over the age of 50, you should be tested for osteoporosis. Once you have been diagnosed, your doctor will be able to recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment to reduce your risk of further fractures.^10,11 Working together with your doctor, you can improve your bone health.

Click here to learn more about the impact of broken bones from osteoporosis.