What is the most common cause of compression fractures in the elderly?

Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures in the elderly due to its impact on bone density and structural integrity. As people age, particularly post-menopausal women, there is a significant decrease in bone density due to the loss of estrogen, which is vital for maintaining bone health. Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, even with minimal trauma or normal activities.

Compression fractures often occur in the vertebrae, where the weakened bones collapse under the stress of daily activities or minor falls. This can lead to significant pain and complications, including loss of height and spinal deformities.

While other conditions like bone metastasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple myeloma can cause fractures, they are not as prevalent as osteoporosis in the context of compression fractures specifically in the elderly population. Metastatic disease often affects those who have a known cancer history, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint degradation rather than isolated fractures, and multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects the bones but is less common as a cause of compression fractures compared to the widespread issue of osteoporosis.