Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) recognises the importance of World Osteoporosis Day, on Saturday 20 October, a day for global action to improve bone health and prevent fractures due to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the quality and density of bone is reduced. As the bone becomes increasingly fragile, people are more susceptible to breaks from small forces and minor falls.
A recent report published at NeuRA by the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry found one in four men and two in five women aged 50 and over will experience a minimal trauma fracture. The report also found that only 25 per cent of hip fracture patients receive therapy for osteoporosis after leaving hospital, indicating a large demographic at significant risk of further osteoporotic fractures.
“Strong evidence exists to support treatment of osteoporosis in this population yet all too frequently we fail to offer treatments which can impact on people’s lives,” said Professor Jacqueline Close, Geriatrician, Clinical Director of the Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre at NeuRA and Co-Chair of the ANZHFR.
Although the incidence of minimal trauma hip fracture has decreased over time, the actual number of hip fractures continues to increase due to the rising number of older adults. Current projections suggest that by 2022 there will be more than 30,000 hip fractures each year with a projected cost of $1.126 billion.
“Hospitals need to work toward closing the care gap to ensure hip fracture patients go home with an individualised care plan designed to prevent future fractures,” said Professor Jacqueline Close
Fractures due to osteoporosis have a devastating impact on millions of people worldwide and result in enormous socio-economic costs to society and healthcare systems. A fracture in someone with osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability. Due to the lack of symptoms from bone degradation, osteoporosis is often discovered only after the first fracture occurs.
“General Practitioners and other medical specialists also play a critical role in ensuring that bone health is addressed and that treatments are offered on an ongoing basis for our older Australians unfortunate enough to break a bone from a fall,” said Professor Jacqueline Close.
NeuRA is committed to closing the osteoporosis care gap to ensure hip fracture patients go home with an individualised care plan designed to prevent future fractures.
NeuRA has published a Hip Fracture Care Guide to help patients, their families and carers treat and prevent osteoporosis and prevent fractures.
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