Final answer:
Dr. Bonelly performs a vertebroplasty, injecting a cement-like substance into Esther's vertebra to treat her osteoporotic fracture. Osteoporosis is characterized by brittle bones that fracture easily, and management includes medications, dietary changes, and reducing fall risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The procedure Dr. Bonelly performs on seventy-year-old Esther, who has osteoporosis and has fractured a vertebra, is known as vertebroplasty. During this procedure, a cement-like substance is injected into the affected vertebra to provide stabilization and strength, thus aiming to alleviate pain and restore mobility that can be severely compromised due to osteoporotic fractures. These fractures are a significant consequence of osteoporosis, which is an age-related disorder where bones lose minerals like calcium and become brittle, leading to increased risk of breaks and fractures with even minor stress.
Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis often involve medications called bisphosphonates, which can slow or reverse the bone loss by inhibiting bone breakdown, thus maintaining bone density. Along with pharmacological intervention, modifications in the living environment to prevent falls and ensuring a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, as well as engaging in weight-bearing exercise, are crucial strategies in managing osteoporosis.