Journal of Bone Research and Reports

Diagnosis & Treatment Of Osteoporosis: Are We Doing Enough?

Osteoporosis is a global public health problem affecting an estimated 200 million people worldwide [1]. Bone loss in osteoporosis is usually gradual and silent. Unless carefully sought, the disease may manifest itself with an acute event such as a fracture. It is leading cause of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist in people above the age of 50 years. Approximately 1.6 million hip fractures occur worldwide each year and by 2050 this number could reach between 4.5 million and 6.3 million [2, 3, 4]. Hip fractures not only cause morbidity but also mortality with reported rates up to 24% in the first year after fracture [5, 6] Greater risk of dying may persist for at least 5 years afterwards [7]. Loss of function and independence among survivors is profound, with 40% unable to walk independently and 60% requiring assistance a year later [8, 9]. Because of these disabilities, 33% are totally dependent or are in a nursing home in the year following a hip fracture.

Author(s):

Sudhir Kumar Garg

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