The National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) is committed to helping people with osteoporosis live the lives they want to lead. It is estimated that around 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis. This can lead to bones becoming fragile and breaking easily, resulting in pain and disability. Much can be done to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures.
Further information can be found on the National Osteoporosis Society website.
Osteoporosis is a condition affecting the density of the bones. Bones become weaker as a natural part of ageing. In osteoporosis the bones have become more fragile than would usually be expected in other people of a similar age. As a result, a simple slip, trip or fall can result in a broken bone. This is known as a fragility fracture. Fragility fractures are usually those of the wrist, vertebrae, humerus, pubic rami (small bones at the front of the pelvis) and hip, sustained as a result of low trauma, which is a fall from standing height or less.
Most people will be unaware that they have osteoporosis as it does not cause any symptoms until they break a bone. People who fracture one bone are more likely to fracture another within the next year, if they have low bone density.
Evidence shows that medication and lifestyle changes can significantly improve bone health within 6-12 months and that prompt diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis after a fragility fracture, can reduce the risk of future fracture by as much as 50%. Without treatment, many people with osteoporosis are likely to sustain a hip fracture in later life.
We are asking that all patients over 50 who have sustained a fragility fracture should speak to their GP and ask to be referred to the osteoporosis service for further assessment. GPs can send referrals to The Rheumatology Department, Kitson Hall Torbay Hospital, Lowes Bridge, Torquay TQ2 7AA; or by email via our contact form.
For any queries on osteoporosis please phone the osteoporosis helpline on: 01803 655603.