Response to an article in the Daily Mail:
‘Are your bones older than you? Brittle bones aren’t just a problem of old age. As these women discovered the damage can start decades earlier’
19th November 2012
Osteoporosis seems to be a bit of a buzz topic at the moment. There seems to be a lot of discussion about it. This might be because it is a growing problem with the growth of our ageing population. As the article points out it is still an underestimated problem and one that often goes unnoticed or undiagnosed until someone breaks something. Even people who break something and report to A&E or minor injuries units are often not properly screened or tested for osteoporosis, even though the risk factors are very well known. People manage the fracture but don’t ask if there might be an underlying reason why it happened.
It is a massive cost burden to the NHS and people who suffer a fracture often don’t get back to their former levels of activity which in turn can lead to other health risks. Osteoporotic fractures can even reduce life expectancy because of this. The screening, identification and management of osteoporosis has therefore been identified as a major objective for the health service. Once picked up it can be well managed with appropriate medications, diet, lifestyle changes and falls prevention to greatly reduce the risk of fracture. Still it is not screened for as much as it should be by GP’s.
If a fracture does occur then it’s important to get appropriate rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery and to look at identifying risk factors to help prevent any further fractures.
The article rightly says that 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis but it fails to point out that 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 have it too. It is thought of as a problem that happens to older women but that’s only half the story. The number of osteoporotic fractures is only going to go up as the number of elderly people goes up so it is important to raise awareness of it, not just with doctors but with the population as a whole. And if you think you or a family member may be at risk it is worth getting screened. Prevention is better than the cure.
Risks can be managed with the right kind of exercise, correct diet, lifestyle changes (eg stopping smoking) and medication might be necessary. But individuals can’t be expected to know what is right for them. They often need advice and direction.
Because of this we have started an osteoporosis service at The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth where we screen people for known risk factors and use combinations of physiotherapy based exercise, dietary and lifestyle advice and medical management depending on individual needs.
Sources:
2. Daily Mail article on Osteoporosis 19th November 2012
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