What is the most common type of osteoporotic fracture?

• A. Wrist fracture
• B. Hip fracture
• C. Vertebral fracture
• D. Shoulder fracture

Answer: (C)

The most common type of osteoporotic fracture is the vertebral fracture. Osteoporosis leads to a decrease in bone density and strength, making bones more susceptible to fractures under minimal stress. Among the various types of osteoporotic fractures, vertebral fractures are considered the most prevalent due to the mechanical stresses placed on the spine during everyday activities.

Vertebral fractures can occur with simple actions such as sneezing, bending, or lifting. When a vertebra collapses due to osteoporosis, it can lead to acute pain, decreased height, and a hunched posture, commonly referred to as kyphosis. This type of fracture can significantly impact a person's mobility and overall quality of life.

While wrist and hip fractures are also associated with osteoporosis, they occur less frequently compared to vertebral fractures. Hip fractures, in particular, are more serious and often lead to significant morbidity but are not as common in occurrence as vertebral fractures. Shoulder fractures are less frequently associated with osteoporosis compared to vertebral and hip fractures. Thus, vertebral fractures indeed hold the distinction of being the most common type of osteoporotic fracture.