Cathy R. Kessenich, DSN, ARNP, Professor, Department of Nursing, University of Tampa; Nurse Practitioner, Private Practice, Tampa, FL, USA.
Osteoporosis is a chronic, debilitating disease that is most distressing to patients and health care providers in the occurrence of fractures of the hip and spine. The lasting effects of vertebral and hip fractures can cause pain, deformity, and emotional distress. Various nonpharmacological modalities may be used adjunctively with prescribed agents to improve the quality of life of patients with fractures due to osteoporosis. Research evidence and clinical experience have determined that nutritional support, exercise and rehabilitation, pain management, orthopedic surgeries, fall prevention, alternative therapies, education, and social support may assist patients in coping with the pervasive effects of osteoporotic fractures. Clinicians need to be informed and encouraged about the use of nonpharmacological measures to assist patients at risk for experiencing the culminating event of this devastating disease.
Key words: osteoporosis, osteoporotic fracture, osteoporosis management.
