“Normal” Bone vs. Osteoporotic Bone

Part 3 of a 4 Part Series by Marny K. Eulberg, MD

This graphic summarizes some of the differences between normal bone and osteoporotic bone. It’s important to note that it only highlights the problems of osteoporosis in the bones of the back (vertebrae) and the hip.

Osteoporosis is a generalized bone condition and also affects the pelvis, the bones of the upper arms and forearm/wrist, and in the limb(s) affected by polio, other bones such as the tibia (shin bone), ankle and foot bones, the thigh bone below the hip joint, and bones of the upper extremities.

This illustration clearly shows the kyphosis (forward bend of the spine in the upper back) that happens when a person gets compression fractures of vertebrae but does not accurately show the degree of compression that often occurs; the vertebra is usually compressed to the point that the bone becomes almost triangular with the point toward the front part of the body instead of the normal squarish shape of the vertebra.

Photo Source: endocrinweb

Marny K. Eulberg, MD

Osteoporosis Series by Dr. Eulberg:

Part 1 - Post-Polio Osteoporosis

Part 2 - Post-Polio Osteoporosis Q&A

Part 3 - “Normal” Bone vs. Osteoporotic Bone

Part 4 - Post-Polio Osteoporosis