PR92458

NYON, Switzerland, Oct. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

On World Osteoporosis Day, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)

points to the pandemic's negative impact on global bone health and calls for

renewed attention to osteoporosis prevention and post-fracture care

A backlog in osteoporosis assessments, treatment delays, and sedentary indoor

lifestyles: these are just several ways in which the Covid-19 pandemic has

impacted bone health and disrupted global osteoporosis care.

Osteoporosis is a common bone disorder that leads to weak and fragile bones

which fracture easily. An osteoporotic fracture typically occurs as a result of

a minor fall from standing height, or even from bending to pick up a grocery

bag.

Worldwide, osteoporosis-related fractures affect up to one in three women and

one in five men aged 50 years and over. Approximately 9 million fractures occur

annually, with an enormous impact on patients and their families as well as on

healthcare systems. Among the major osteoporotic fractures, spine and hip

fractures have the most severe consequences and result in enormous long-term

medical costs. Because of the disability and loss of function following a hip

fracture, 33% of hip fracture patients are totally dependent or in a nursing

home in the year following the fracture.  

IOF President Professor Cyrus Cooper noted:

"The pandemic's continuing toll on bone health and the timely delivery of

osteoporosis assessment and care is of global concern. Given this backdrop, it

is more important than ever to be proactive on behalf of bone health.

Osteoporosis-related fractures are a major cause of pain, disability, and loss

of independence in older adults. Such life-changing injuries can be prevented

with life-long attention to bone health, and early diagnosis and appropriate

treatment for those at risk."

"Nevertheless, despite the immense burden of fragility fractures, osteoporosis

remains vastly under-diagnosed and under-treated. Even after an osteoporotic

fracture, approximately 80% of patients are not assessed or treated for the

underlying cause. This is inexcusable – and in stark contrast to

cardiovascular disease prevention, where patients are routinely treated for

high blood pressure or cholesterol to avoid potential strokes or heart attacks."

On World Osteoporosis Day, IOF and its global membership of more than 265

national patient and medical societies, call on individuals and health care

authorities alike to prioritize bone health and the prevention of fractures.

IOF urges all older adults to ensure they are exercising regularly, getting

enough vitamin D through exposure to sunshine or supplements, and eating

bone-healthy foods that contain calcium, protein, and other important

nutrients. The IOF Osteoporosis Risk Check, an online questionnaire, is a

simple way to be alerted to any key personal risk factors for the disease.

"If you're at risk, reach out to your doctor to ask for an assessment and

timely treatment. This is particularly important if you've already broken a

bone after the age of fifty, have noticed height loss or a stooped back, or

have a family history of osteoporosis," cautions the IOF President.

Without protective treatment, a first broken bone doubles the risk of further,

potentially life-threatening fractures. It is essential that anyone who has

sustained a fragility fracture gets post-fracture care for the prevention of

recurrent fractures. A global map of hospitals with Fracture Liaison Services

is available at www.capturethefracture.org  

World Osteoporosis Day (WOD), held on October 20, calls for global action to

fight osteoporosis and related fractures. www.worldosteoporosisday.org  

WOD Partners: Sunsweet, UCB, Amgen, Sandoz, Theramex

The International Osteoporosis Foundation is the world's largest

non-governmental organization dedicated to osteoporosis and fracture

prevention. www.osteoporosis.foundation  

IOF Osteoporosis Risk Check: https://riskcheck.osteoporosis.foundation/  

Media contact: L.Misteli, IOF info@osteoporosis.foundation

Source: The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)