Osteoporotic spine, X-ray

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Osteoporotic spine, X-ray

Osteoporotic spine, coloured X-ray. The spine is seen in side view, with the front of the body at right. It is seen to be curved, bowing out from top right to centre left then back right again. This is due to a loss of bone mass in the vertebrae of the spine. Normally, vertebrae show up as solid rectangular blocks on an X-ray. Here they are pale and irregular in shape. In women, the loss of bone mass is due to demineralisation after the menopause. Calcium salts are normally laid down in bone, a process assisted by the hormone oestrogen. After the menopause the levels of this hormone drop, and bones become weaker. Hormone replacement therapy can help to reduce the effect, and calcium supplements may also be helpful

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6415824

© MIRIAM MASLO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Back Bones Brittle Bone Column Crumbling Curved Diagnostic Diagnostics Elderly Gerontology Kyphosis Menopause Osteoporosis Purple Radiography Spinal Vertebra Weak Weakened X Ray Machine Condition Crumbled Disorder Health Care Vertebrae

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Science Photo Library showcases an osteoporotic spine, revealing the detrimental effects of bone loss in the vertebrae. The colored X-ray captures a side view of the spine, with the front of the body on the right. In stark contrast to healthy vertebrae that appear as solid rectangular blocks on an X-ray, these bones are pale and irregular in shape. The curvature of this spine is evident as it bows out from the top right to center left before curving back to the right again. This condition arises due to demineralization after menopause in women when there is a significant decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in aiding calcium salt deposition and maintaining bone strength. However, hope lies within hormone replacement therapy and calcium supplements which can help mitigate these effects by reducing bone mass loss. By providing essential hormones or additional calcium support, these treatments aim to strengthen weakened bones and combat conditions like kyphosis or brittle bones. This thought-provoking image sheds light on both biology and medicine while emphasizing how crucial healthcare interventions are for individuals suffering from osteoporosis postmenopause. It serves as a reminder of our ongoing efforts towards understanding gerontology and developing effective diagnostics for age-related disorders such as this one.

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