Master Pathophysiology 2026 – Ace the Basics and Boost Your Knowledge!

Osteoporosis weakens the vertebral bodies, making them prone to compression fractures. When the front part of a vertebra collapses more than the back, it wedges forward and the spine develops an increased forward curve. This produces kyphotic changes, often seen as a stooped posture or a “dowager’s hump,” and is a common spinal manifestation in people with osteoporosis.

The other patterns aren’t typical: a lordotic (excess inward) curve isn’t the usual consequence of vertebral compression fractures, scoliosis is a lateral curvature, and no changes would miss a very common deformity associated with osteoporosis.