According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly 700,000 patients in the U.S. will suffer from a spinal fracture called vertebral compression fracture. This type of fracture is almost twice as common as others typically linked to osteoporosis such as broken hips and wrists. When women (and men) age, their bones thin and bone strength can decrease.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become very weak and more likely to break. It often develops unnoticed over many years, with no symptoms or discomfort until a bone breaks.

At the Sept. 25 Girls Night Out, to be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Effingham Imaging Center, 110 Goshen Rd. in Rincon, Dr. Khoa Nguyen, a radiologist specializing in interventional radiology, will discuss vertebral compression fractures and breakthroughs in minimally invasive treatments including a procedure called Vertebroplasty. The procedure is one of many options used to treat back pain and compression fractures of the spine and involves an injection of bone cement to the affected area in order to stabilize the vertebrae and prevent further damage.

Dr. Nguyen also will provide information on how best to protect the back, as well as provide details on the important screenings women should talk to their healthcare providers about to detect osteoporosis in its earliest stages.

As always, Girls Night Out offers a fun and light activity. After Dr. Nguyen’s presentation, attendees will receive expert tips on how to start a small business presented by Marian Hodge, owner of Teach Right in Rincon. Teach Right is a successful small business that specializes in educational resources for students in preschool through eighth grade.

Girls Night Out is a monthly event presented by Effingham Health System and features valuable health information, light refreshments, friendship, fun conversation and opportunities to win free gifts.

Reservations are not needed to attend Girls Night Out and mammograms can always be scheduled in advance.

For questions, call 826-1427 or 754-0421.