When Wang wrapped his arms around his 41‑year‑old wife on Oct. 19, a sharp crack echoed and she collapsed in pain—shortly after, a chest CT scan revealed five fractured ribs and a hairline crack in a sixth.
Doctors linked the fractures to severe osteoporosis, citing the woman’s 48 kg weight and a history of strict dieting, meal skipping and prolonged avoidance of sunlight.
Wang told Hubei Jingshi Live that the embrace was meant to warm his wife, who initially dismissed the pain as a minor strain and delayed medical care until the next day.
Hospital staff prescribed calcium and vitamin‑D supplements, strict rest, and cautioned that the fractures could heal without surgery, but bone density must improve to prevent future breaks.
The couple has begun a new routine: the wife now steps outside for morning light, adds dairy to her meals and plans to start physiotherapy next week to regain strength.