Post-pregnancy osteoporosis (PPO).
Individuals with back pain during or immediately after pregnancy are suspect for postpregnancy osteoporosis (PPO). These patients are often diagnosed late if at all. This case report was selected to illustrate the presentation of such patients. Common criteria include back pain, spine fractures, occurrence in late pregnancy or within 3 mo postpartum, diagnosis made late, first pregnancy, height loss, lactation, mothers with osteoporosis, low bone density, some recovery of bone mass over years, and pre-existing osteopenia. Previous case reports and literature reviews show similar patient profiles.
Babbitt
A M
AM
Osteoporosis Healthcare Network, South Portland, ME 04106, USA. goodbone@ime.net