Osteoporosis Care
NMMC provides a fragility fracture program for patients who have already broken a bone because of osteoporosis, as well as a rehabilitation program for those with osteoporosis or osteopenia to help prevent fractures.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps.
Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” Viewed under a microscope, healthy bone looks like a honeycomb. When osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in healthy bone. Osteoporotic bones have lost density or mass and contain abnormal tissue structure. As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. If you’re 50 or older and have broken a bone, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about a bone density test.
About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for fracture. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation 
Fragility Fractures
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a fragility fracture is any fracture resulting from a fall from a standing height or less. Such fractures occur most commonly in the hip, spine and wrist. Normally, our bones should be able to sustain a fall from this height without a fracture, unless there is some underlying cause to suspect a bone disorder, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia that weakens our bone structure.
Fragility fractures can dramatically change the quality of life for patients and their families because of disability or loss of independence. To help patients reduce their risk of future fractures, North Mississippi Medical Center Orthopaedic Trauma implemented the Fragility Fracture & Bone Health Program.
We provide comprehensive care after a fragility fracture, and ensure appropriate action is taken to reduce the risk of future fractures. The program offers lab work, imaging, physical therapy and osteoporosis medical management.
For more information on the Fragility Fracture & Bone Health Program, call (662) 377-5265.
Osteoporosis Intervention
Osteoporosis intervention is available at NMMC Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Longtown Medical Park.
A decrease in bone strength makes a person more susceptible to broken bones. It affects more than 25 million people (women and men) annually. Our specialty-trained physical or occupational therapist will assess a person's body mechanics, strength, mobility, flexibility, balance and posture to provide individualized treatment to manage osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Our goal is to provide instructions on safe and proper exercises for those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia. This is important because certain exercises can put you at greater risk for broken bones. We will also provide education concerning home safety as well as how to perform daily activities in a safe manner without increasing risk for falls and broken bones. Recommendations on adaptive equipment will be made as needed.
A referral is needed for this program, so ask your doctor if you are a candidate for osteoporosis intervention.
