Progressive spinal curvature in osteoporosis

Successive compression or crush fractures, in which there is a collapse of affected bone, may lead to increased curvature of the spine (thoracic kyphosis). As a result, there is typically an abnormal rounding of the upper back, known as "dowager's hump," and loss of height. Due to vertebral fractures and associated height loss, the abdomen may be compressed, causing it to bulge forward. Such patients may note that their abdomens appear larger than before, their clothes no longer fit, and their waist seems to have "disappeared" even though they have not gained weight.