Serious Consequences of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is defined by a loss of bone mass, making the bone fragile and unable to provide structure for the body. Thirty years ago, little was known or could be done about osteoporosis. Both osteoporosis and the fractures that go along with it, were thought of us an inevitable part of old age. Today, however, advances in scientific knowledge have ushered in a new ear in bone health, one in which bone diseases can be prevent and/or identified early and treated effectively in those who do get osteoporosis.

Therefore, it's a sad commentary that our society does not effectively impact on the grim statistics of this disease. Fractures due to bone disease are common, costly, and often become a chronic burden on individuals and society. A whit ewoman over the age of 59 has more than a 50 percent chance of suffering a fracture sometime during the rest of her life. While the lifetime risk for men and non-white women is less across all fracture types, it i s nonetheless substantial and may be rising in some groups, such as Hispanic women.

Fractures can have devastating consequences for both the individuals who suffer them and their family members. For example, hip fractures are associated with increased risk of mortality. The risk of mortality is 2.8-4 times greater among hip fracture patients during the first 3 months after the fracture compared to others of comparable risk. Those who are in poor health or living in a nursing home at the time of the fracture are particularly vulnerable. For those who do survive, these fractures often precipitate a downward spiral in physical and mental health that dramatically impairs quality of flie. Nearly one in five hip fracture patients, for example, ends up in a nursing home. Many fracture victims become isolated and depressed, as the fear of falls and additional fractures paralyzes them. Spine fractures, which are not as easily diagnosed and treated as are fractures at other sites, can become a source of chronic pain as well as disfigurement.

Because of the aging of the population, the number of hip fractures in the United States could double or triple by 2040. It is imperative that action be taken now.