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NYON, Switzerland, Oct. 21, 2020 / PRNewswire / – Today, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) calls on all adults to be alert to their risk factors for osteoporosis, a disease that can lead to a dangerous and potentially downward spiral. mortal of broken bones.
A bone fracture (known as a fracture) that occurs after a minor fall in adults over 50 is often a sign of underlying osteoporosis. After such a fracture, often in the wrist, spine, or hip, the risk of further fractures is very high in the next two years.
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, leaving people at risk for painful and debilitating fractures that all too often lead to long-term disability and loss of independence. An osteoporosis-related fracture can occur after a minor fall from a standing height, or simply from bending over to lift a shopping bag. Worldwide, up to one in two women and one in five men age 50 and older will be affected by osteoporosis-related fractures in the rest of their lives.
Other important risk factors for osteoporosis-related fractures include a loss of height of more than 4 cm (approximately 1.5 inches); long-term use of glucocorticoids (“steroids” to treat inflammation); parental history of hip fracture, underweight; of smoking; excessive alcohol intake; and early menopause, among other factors.
The IOF encourages adults age 50 and older to take the IOF Osteoporosis Risk Screen (in 36 languages) at https://riskcheck.osteoporosis.foundation/. If risk factors are identified, it is important to request a bone health assessment that may include a Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) to estimate the risk of a future 10-year fracture.
IOF President Professor Cyrus Cooper stated:
“Given the serious and transformative impact of fractures, especially in the hip and spine, it is essential that all adults over the age of 50 are alert to their potential risk factors for osteoporosis. Prompt testing and treatment are crucial. since effective treatments are capable of reducing the risk of fractures between 30 and 70% “.
Early management of osteoporosis can prevent a lot of unnecessary suffering and loss of independence. After a hip fracture, approximately 40% of patients are unable to walk independently, about 60% require assistance, and 33% may be dependent or in a nursing home in the year following the fracture.
Dependency places a heavy burden on both patients and their caregivers, and the burden falls disproportionately on women. A Spanish study of informal caregivers of patients with hip fracture found that 77% were women, of which 55% were daughters of the patients.
Professor Cooper added:
“As a disease, osteoporosis is dangerously neglected. Despite its enormous burden on patients and their families, approximately 80% of the highest-risk patients who have already fractured are not treated. Through its Capture initiative the Fracture®, the IOF advocates for the Implementation of Post-Fracture Care Coordination Programs in hospitals around the world. These services ensure that patients with fractures are evaluated and treated correctly to minimize the risk of suffering a new fracture, aspects of the care that anyone with a fracture in old age should seek … We urge health authorities to prioritize bone health and ensure effective post-fracture care for all older adults who have suffered fractures This is the key to reduce the burden of osteoporosis-related fractures on patients, their families and societies around the world. ”
– The image is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) –
World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) celebrated annually on October 20 calls for global action to combat osteoporosis and related fractures. www.worldosteoporosisday.org
WOD Partners: Sunsweet, Sandoz, Amgen, UCB, GSK, Kyowa-Kirin
The International Osteoporosis Foundation is the world’s largest non-governmental organization dedicated to the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. www.osteoporosis.foundation
www.capturethefracture.org
Contact with the media:
Laura Misteli
[email protected]
Tel: + 41-78-857-1777
SOURCE The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
