Osteoporosis is a condition that entails lower bone density and disruption of the internal architecture of the bone. This results in reduced bone strength which makes people more prone to fractures.
Most fractures occur in the spine, wrist and hips although other bones can be affected. It is estimated that half of all women and one fifth of all men over the age of fifty will be affected by osteoporsis although these figures are disputed by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence which says that approx 1.2 million women in England and Wales have osteoporosis.
More women than men are affected by osteoporosis.
Many spinal fractures are never diagnosed and treated.
Osteoporosis tends to occur in later life with most of those affected over the age of 75. Until about the age of 35 people build up bone density, after that the process is reversed where more bone is broken down than is replaced. This is part of the normal ageing process, osteoporosis occurs when this process is accelerated. The breakdown and growth of bones involves two cells-
In the UK 800,000 osteoporotic fractures are treated each year. The total annual cost to health services in the UK is put at £1.8bn.
A recent BMJ article says that "Hip fractures result in loss of independence for at least a third of people with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures cause height loss, chronic pain and difficulty with normal daily activities".
Whilst there is no cure for osteoporsis, its progress can be slowed or delayed by taking regular exercise, stopping smoking, getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Even small changes in lifestyle can help to prevent a fracture.
