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Devastating Impact of Spinal Osteoporotic Fractures Revealed on World Osteoporosis Day
A
new report issued by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) for
World Osteoporosis Day puts the spotlight on the severe impact of spinal
fractures and calls on health professionals to recognize the signs of
these fractures in their patients. "The widespread
under–diagnosis and lack of treatment of spinal fractures, leaves
millions of people around the world with chronic pain, deformity,
disability and at high risk of future fractures," says Professor John
Kanis, President of the IOF. Many as two-thirds of spinal
osteoporotic fractures are not recognized by doctors. Untreated, as many
as one in five women with a spinal fracture will sustain another within
twelve months. 'The Breaking Spine', authored
by Professor Harry K. Genant of the University of California and Dr. Mary
Bouxsein of Harvard Medical School, reveals the serious impact of these
fractures and calls on health professionals to take action to diagnose
patients and refer them for treatment. "Doctors must look out for
evidence of spinal fractures, especially in their patients over 50 –
stooped back, loss of height, and sudden, severe back pain are the three
tell-tale signs, says Professor Genant.” It is essential that doctors
refer these patients for further testing and that radiology reports
clearly identify spinal fractures as 'FRACTURED' to avoid ambiguity."
Currently, only about 40% of older women with spinal fractures visible on
X-ray are tested for osteoporosis. The figure is even lower in men (less
than 20%). The IOF urges health
professionals and the public to recognize the signs of spinal fractures.
The repercussions of these common fractures can be severe, resulting in
stooped back, acute and chronic back pain, loss of height, immobility,
depression, increased number of bed days, reduced pulmonary function and
even premature death. Globally, spinal fractures
represent a huge socio-economic burden. It is estimated that one spinal
fracture occurs every 22 seconds worldwide. Studies have shown that as
many as 20-25% of Caucasian women and men over 50 years of age have a
current spinal fracture. Costs associated with all osteoporotic fractures
are predicted to rise markedly over the next few decades as the population
ages. More Information on US Health Issues
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