Eldre kvinners erfaringer med osteoporotiske brudd i ryggen

SAMMENDRAG Older women's experience of osteoporotic fractures in the spineBackground: Osteoporosis-related vertebral fracture affects many older women and is often an underdiagnosed condition.Objective: To describe older women´s experience of living with osteoporosis-related vertebral fracture based on synthesis of findings from qualitative studies. Methods:The study is based on the principles in the PRISMA guidelines, the standard for systematic reviews.Systematic article sear-ches by qualitative studies were performed in Cinahl, Medline, PsychINFO and SweMed+.Five studies met the criteria for inclusion.A thematic synthesis of findings of the included articles was conducted. Results:The synthesis identified the following main themes; «bodily changes», «constant and unpredictable pain», «impact on everyday life», and «follow-up and support».Pain was described as constant and predominant in life.Reduction in height and changed posture were by the women experienced as negative, as they viewed themselves as «old and bent». Conclusion:Systematic pain assessment in community health can be one measure for identification of women with osteoporosisrelated vertebral fracture who experience pain.Bodily changes in women with osteoporosis-related vertebral fracture should get more attention in clinic practice.Exercise may make a positive impact on everyday life and strengthen the womens› self-esteem