QUALITY-OF-LIFE ISSUES IN WOMEN WITH VERTEBRAL FRACTURES DUE TO OSTEOPOROSIS

Objective. To learn about the physical, emotional, and social limitations experienced by postmenopausal women who have back pain due to vertebral fractures resulting from osteoporosis. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of female patients with persistent pain due to vertebral fractures. Results. Respondents had a mean (+/-SD) bone density of 0.87 +/- 0.13 gm/cm2 and a mean (+/-SD) of 2.84 +/- 2.18 fractures. Disability was identified in pain, movement, activities of daily living, and emotion. There was a poor correlation between quality of life and findings on radiography or densitometry. Conclusion. To evaluate the effects of osteoporosis on a patient's functional status, direct questioning is required.