Osteoporosis and Fragility Fracture in Pregnancy A Case Report

Abstract

Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone mass secondary to inadequate acquisition of peak bone mass and/or increased bone loss. Osteoblastic and osteoclastic imbalances result in reduced bone mineral density (BMD), disrupting bone’s normal microarchitecture and predisposing to fragility fracture [1]. The prevalence of osteoporosis in premenopausal women is approximately 0.5%. Where there are no secondary causes of osteoporosis found (Table 1), it is termed idiopathic osteoporosis. Pregnancy and lactation are thought to cause secondary osteoporosis (PLO) [2]. The overall incidence of PLO remains largely unknown due to a lack of large scale population based data in this area [3]. Little is known about managing pregnancy induced BMD loss superimposed on pre-existing osteoporosis. This case illustrates the challenges faced in balancing the obstetric, medical and orthopaedic needs of such a patient.