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Ch. 5 The Skeletal System
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 5 The Skeletal SystemProblem 21
Chapter 5, Problem 21

Deborah, a 75-year-old woman, stumbled slightly while walking, then felt a terrible pain in her left hip. At the hospital, X-ray images revealed that the hip was broken. Also, the compact bone and spongy bone throughout her spine were very thin. What was her probable condition?

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Step 1: Begin by identifying the symptoms described in the problem. Deborah experienced a hip fracture and has thin compact and spongy bone throughout her spine. These symptoms suggest a condition affecting bone density and strength.
Step 2: Recall the anatomy and physiology of bones. Compact bone provides strength and structure, while spongy bone is lighter and supports bone marrow. Both types of bone are affected by conditions that reduce bone density, such as osteoporosis.
Step 3: Understand the risk factors for osteoporosis. Age is a significant factor, especially in postmenopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels, which play a role in maintaining bone density. Deborah's age (75 years) and gender make her highly susceptible to this condition.
Step 4: Consider the physiological mechanism of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis occurs when the balance between bone resorption (breakdown) and bone formation is disrupted, leading to decreased bone mass and increased fragility. This explains the thin bones and susceptibility to fractures.
Step 5: Conclude that Deborah's probable condition is osteoporosis, based on her symptoms, age, gender, and the description of her bone structure. Further diagnostic tests, such as a bone density scan (DEXA), would confirm this diagnosis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by the weakening of bones, making them fragile and more susceptible to fractures. It often occurs due to a decrease in bone density, which can be influenced by factors such as age, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies. In older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, osteoporosis is a common cause of hip fractures and spinal issues.
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Bone Density

Bone density refers to the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue, which is crucial for maintaining bone strength and integrity. It is typically measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. Low bone density indicates a higher risk of fractures and is a key indicator of conditions like osteoporosis, especially in aging populations.
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Fracture Types

Fractures are classified into different types based on their characteristics and causes. A common type in older adults is a low-energy fracture, which occurs from minimal trauma, such as a fall. Hip fractures are particularly concerning as they can lead to significant morbidity and complications, often requiring surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
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