+1 (949) 688-1216

Main Navigation

Osteoporosis Fractures

As we get older, our bones thin and our bone strength decreases. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become very weak and more likely to break. It often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks.

Fractures caused by osteoporosis most often occur in the spine. These spinal fractures are called vertebral compression fractures.

They occur in nearly 700,000 patients each year and are almost twice as common as other fractures typically linked to osteoporosis, such as broken hips and wrists.

Learn more about treatment options

Schedule consultation
CALL US: (949) 688-1216
YOUR VISIT/patient forms

Not all vertebral compression fractures are due to osteoporosis. But when the disease is involved, a vertebral compression fracture is often a patient’s first sign of a weakened skeleton from osteoporosis (AAOS, 2015).

Facts about Osteoporosis:
Fractures from osteoporosis are more common than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer combined.

At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime.
Over 80% of all fractures in people 50+ are caused by osteoporosis.
The risk of suffering a second spine fracture within the first 12 months following an initial vertebral fracture is 20%

Any injury to the vertebrae can have serious consequences because the spinal cord, the central nervous system’s connection between the brain and the body, runs through the center of the vertebrae. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or death. Injury to the spinal cord at the level of the thoracic and lumbar spine can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis of the entire body below the point of injury.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

In the event of an accident resulting in a possible fracture in the neck or back, at first evaluation, it may be difficult to assess the extent of injuries. And the possibility of an osteoporosis diagnosis must be evaluated by a spine doctor.

At the accident scene, EMS rescue workers must be called. Once someone capable is available, they must first check vital signs, including the patient’s consciousness, ability to breathe, and heart rate. After these are stabilized, workers will assess obvious bleeding and limb-deforming injuries.
Before moving the patient, the EMS team must immobilize the patient in a cervical (neck) collar and backboard. The trauma team will perform a complete and thorough evaluation in the hospital emergency room.

Spine specialist, Dr Hamid Mir does comprehensive examinations to determine the extent of injury and to identify the specific treatment needs for each individual case.

TREATMENT

Our spine centers in Los Angeles and Orange County lead by board certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Hamid Mir M.D. provide a variety of treatment options for spinal fractures including those of osteoporosis patients.

We will evaluate the spinal injury and fracture pattern to diagnose for osteoporosis if it hasn’t been established before. Scans are used to determine whether or not you have a spinal fracture and we can decide whether spine surgery is needed. Dr. Hamid Mir will analyze the severity of the fracture and confer with you before any decision. 

Treatments for minor to moderate injuries may include stabilization of the spine with a brace or procedures such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Some fractures may need complex surgical procedures; which are all handled by our experienced team.

Directly treating osteoporosis is a long-term commitment involving specific exercise regimens and medications; these plans can be designed and tracked with your doctor.

PREVENTION

Nutrition is the most important prevention. To avoid osteoporosis make sure your diet is rich in calcium and vitamin D. And never stop doing regular weight-bearing and strengthening exercises. They are very important for preventing osteoporosis and spinal fractures.

Talk to your doctor about a bone mineral density test to see how strong your bones are. Then take prevention steps to keep them strong. You can help protect yourself and your family if you:

  • Always wear a seat belt when you are driving or a passenger in a car.
  • Get checked regularly for osteoporotic risks.
  • Wear the proper protective equipment for your sport and follow all safety regulations, such as having a spotter and appropriate cushioning mats.
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr Hamid R. Mir M.D.

Meet

Dr. Hamid R. Mir M.D.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon & Back, Spine, & Neck Specialist

Dr Hamid Mir is a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon & back, spine, & neck specialist with fellowship training in combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery. He has offices in Orange County, Los Angeles & Riverside. Dr Mir specializes in spinal fusion, lumbar surgery and treating trauma as well as other conditions affecting the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine including degenerative diseases, stenosis, fracture, infection, adult scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.

Learn More

Conditions

Learn More

Treatment

Learn More

Prevention

Learn More

Testimonials

You are more than just a patient.

star star star star star

I was in a very bad situation with a herniated disc in my lower back so I made an appointment with DISC spine center and Dr. Hamid. He was very professional and made me comfortable that he understood exactly what I was going through and was able to communicate effectively exactly what it will take to get me on the road to recovery after spine surgery. It took several months as my injury was severe however I always felt I was in good hands under Dr. Hamid’s supervision…If you ever have the misfortune of injuring your circuit board of your body (spine) you need a pro, do not take advice from anyone who’s not specifically licensed to help, Dr Hamid is who I chose and I’m very thankful.

- Matteo B

star star star star star

Dr. Mir saw me about 2 months before the spine procedure and indicated that I had severe stenosis or narrowing of the openings where the nerve roots exit at the L4, L5 and S1 level. He reviewed my MRI and without wasting any time, asked if I wanted or was considering spinal surgery. He was extremely clear and answered all my questions. I had the procedure done at the Disc Newport OP surgery spine center and was cared for by an incredibly competent, caring staff. I was discharged same day and my post op recovery was 2 weeks, and returned to daily activities and work July 15th. The procedure was very successful as my back pain is basically gone. Amazing relief from a procedure done by a great surgeon with a great team!

- Stan W.

star star star star star

Dr Mir is an excellent spine surgeon. I had a surgery on my neck by another surgeon but I was still in pain. A friend who had prior spine surgery with Dr. Mir recommended him to me. As the treating surgeon he was very detail oriented, confident, and knowledgeable. His team is very friendly and helpful. I decided to have a second cervical spine operation on my neck. Soooo thankful I have no pain and for physical medicine doctors like him.

- Hillary C.

star star star star star

Dr. Mir and his entire team of specialists take the extra time and consideration to shape alternatives to meet the needs (holistically) of the patient. Everything about the experience of my surgery was positive. Dr. Mir is a patient and compassionate surgeon. His communication skills are remarkably attentive. We are six months out of the starting gate from surgical treatment, and with PT and core strengthening exercises, this 65 yr. old is back to regular training for next year’s marathon. Thank you kindly El Doc-tor….you are amazing! See you soon.

- Lorena B.

Dr. Hamid Mir is a member of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with fellowship training in combined neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 2004. As a top rated spine surgeon, he specializes in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine diseases including degenerative, stenosis, fracture, infection, scoliosis, revision, and complex reconstructions.

Dr. Mir focused his practice on minimally invasive techniques. As Medical Director of DISC Sports & Spine Center, Dr. Mir is at the forefront of the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. The benefits of these techniques include less post-operative pain, quicker recovery reduced blood loss, less soft tissue damage, smaller surgical incisions, less scarring and improved function.

Please Enter Your Information with
Callback form.

Follow us @spinesurgeonoc

Please Enter Your Information

Schedule consultation

    PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

    We are so excited to be a part of this life changing journey with you.

    In order for us to provide the best care, it is very important that you bring the following items to your visit:
    • Photo ID
    • A list of your current medications
    • Any and all x-rays films
    • Insurance information and card
    • Information about what treatments and medications have been tried in the past
    • Medical records from prior visits that you think may be helpful