A woman in eastern China’s Jiangsu province suffered five fractured ribs and a cracked bone after her husband embraced her, revealing an underlying case of severe osteoporosis, according to Chinese media reports.
The incident, which went viral on social media, occurred when the husband, identified as Wang, hugged his wife after she complained of feeling cold. Wang reported hearing a cracking sound before his wife collapsed in severe pain, unable to stand up.
A CT scan conducted at a local hospital the following morning confirmed five broken ribs and a hairline fracture on another rib. Attending physicians attributed the unusual injuries to osteoporosis, a metabolic condition that reduces bone density and structural strength, rendering bones brittle enough to break under minimal pressure.
Medical professionals noted that while rib fractures from a normal hug are exceptionally rare among younger individuals, severe osteoporosis significantly increases fracture risks.
Wang noted that his wife weighed between 45 and 50 kilograms, maintained a strict diet, frequently skipped dinner, consumed daily coffee, and spent minimal time outdoors due to working indoors at a family shop.
Physicians advised the patient to undergo conservative treatment involving medication, pain-relief patches, and rest without requiring surgical intervention. Health experts highlighted the importance of adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake, regular exercise, and sufficient sunlight exposure to maintain optimal bone health.
-EM