Prepare for the Internal Medicine II Test with engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is detailed with hints and explanations. Gear up your knowledge for success!

Multiple Choice

Among osteoporotic fractures, which site is most commonly fractured?

In osteoporosis, fragility fractures occur with minimal trauma, and the spine bears the greatest burden. Vertebral bodies contain a large amount of trabecular (spongy) bone, which loses mass and gains fragility quickly as osteoporosis progresses, and they sustain substantial axial loading. As a result, compression fractures of the vertebrae are the most frequent fragility fractures and can often be clinically silent, though they contribute to height loss and kyphosis. Other sites like the distal radius, hip, or pelvis do fracture as well, but vertebral fractures are the most common.

In osteoporosis, fragility fractures occur with minimal trauma, and the spine bears the greatest burden. Vertebral bodies contain a large amount of trabecular (spongy) bone, which loses mass and gains fragility quickly as osteoporosis progresses, and they sustain substantial axial loading. As a result, compression fractures of the vertebrae are the most frequent fragility fractures and can often be clinically silent, though they contribute to height loss and kyphosis. Other sites like the distal radius, hip, or pelvis do fracture as well, but vertebral fractures are the most common.