What is the most common fracture observed in osteoporosis?

• A. Hip fracture
• B. Vertebral fracture
• C. Wrist fracture
• D. Pelvic fracture

Answer: (B)

Vertebral compression fractures are the most common fragility fracture in osteoporosis because the spine has a high proportion of trabecular (cancellous) bone, which loses density early in osteoporosis. The vertebral bodies constantly bear axial loads, so weakened bones are prone to compressive failure with only minor stress or even no obvious trauma. Many vertebral fractures are clinically silent or present as back pain, height loss, or curvature changes, so they accumulate and are detected more often on imaging than fractures at other sites. While hip fractures are serious and highly impactful, they occur less frequently than vertebral fractures, and wrist fractures, though common, are less prevalent than spinal fractures.