ABSTRACT

Osteoporosis is defined as a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mineral content and derangement in bone microarchitecture, leading to skeletal fragility with a consequent increased fracture risk. Osteoporosis of the spine results in pain, disability and an overall decrease in quality of life. Whereas toracic hyperkyphosis is a well-known consequence of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, there is quite less information in the literature on the concomitant association with impairments in pulmonary function. Therefore, we aimed to review the currently available literature on impairments in pulmonary function in patients with osteoporosis. (From the World of Osteoporosis 2010;16:61-5) Key words: Osteoporosis, bone mineral density, kyphosis, pulmonary function