Last Updated May 2011
Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone disease worldwide. Characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density leading to a weakening of bone tissue over time, osteoporosis greatly increases the risk of bone fractures in elderly adults. Although men can develop the condition, it is seen most often in women—affecting 200 million women worldwide. In fact, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in 3 women over 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures (compared to 1 in 5 men).
Roughly translated, osteoporosis means porous bones. Although its cause is still unknown, scientists do know that the disease involves a disruption in the normal bone remodeling process. Essentially, the body is unable to form enough new bone and begins to reabsorb old bone. Unfortunately, there are very few warning signs, and the disease is relatively silent until a bone break occurs—typically in response to a minor stress, such as bumping up against a wall or tripping on a step.
The High Cost of Bone Fractures
In a recent study conducted in the UK, scientists associated with the Nottingham University Hospitals and University Hospitals of Leicester calculated that the average cost of a hip fracture sustained by an elderly person living in a retirement home was more than $15,000. The report, published in the journal Osteoporosis International (OI), went on to say that the figure increased to nearly $23,300 if a patient ultimately had to be transferred from their home or place of residence to a nursing home.
Still, the costs calculated in the study only included “direct” hospitalization costs—including time spent in the operating room, fees for surgical instruments, and blood tests—and do not include secondary expenses such as the cost of diagnostic tests, prescription medications, and long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation treatment.
Prevention is a Lifelong Commitment
Because osteoporosis is such a well-researched disease, there are many known prevention options. Working together, healthcare professionals and their patients can take steps to lessen the risk of osteoporotic fractures through a combination of lifestyle changes, nutritional supplementation and physical activity. These include:
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Increased weight-bearing aerobic and strengthening exercises
- Increased calcium intake (through food/supplementation)
- Increased vitamin D intake (to assist with calcium absorption)
When and if osteoporosis is diagnosed by a physician, several drug therapy options have also been approved to assist with treatment and prevent further decline.
Improving Lives through Education
For as much as we know about osteoporosis, millions of people—especially women—are still unaware of the acute risks involved. For example, a recent International Osteoporosis Foundation survey conducted in 11 countries showed that “denial of personal risk by postmenopausal women, lack of dialogue about osteoporosis with their doctor, and restricted access to diagnosis and treatment before the first fracture result in underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the disease.” As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to those in our care to stay informed about osteoporosis and the most current prevention and treatment strategies.
To learn more about osteoporosis, view our comprehensive course Osteoporosis: A Primer for Healthcare Professionals.
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