Consequences of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is like a time bomb. Patients are usually unaware of it until a fracture occurs. By the time doctors come into contact with patients who have severe osteoporosis, most have already suffered fractures as a result of falls.
Osteoporosis can lead to fractures.
The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age, particularly in women after menopause, and it is important to be aware of this. Between 2005 and 2018, there were over 330,000 cases in Hong Kong that required hospitalization due to falls, with as many as 30% of those cases involving individuals over the age of sixty. Fractures not only have a significant impact on your life but can also affect your family and friends.
Osteoporosis is like a ticking time bomb
Patients are usually unaware of it until a fracture occurs. By the time doctors come into contact with patients suffering from severe osteoporosis, most have already experienced fractures due to falls.2,3
Prone to fractures
If you have osteoporosis, even minor impacts, simple bed movements, vigorous sneezing, or lifting objects can lead to fractures.1
Common sites of fractures
When you have osteoporosis, your bones become fragile, and even minor impacts or falls can result in fractures. These types of fractures are known as fragility fractures. While bones in any part of the body can be affected, the most common sites for fractures are the hip, wrist, and spine.2
Data on osteoporosis and fractures in Hong Kong
One in Four
Women
Approximately one in four women aged 65 and above suffer from osteoporosis1
7,000
hip fracture patients
There are about 7,000 hip fracture cases in Hong Kong each year2. About 70% of hip fracture patients suffer from various degrees of loss of mobility2
23%
require mobility assistance
Approximately 23% of hip fractures require admission to a nursing home1
17.3%
mortality rate
About 17.3% of hip fracture patients will die within one year of the fracture.
(Mortality rate of the same age group is 1.6%)1
Reference:
1.Lo SS. Prevalence of osteoporosis in elderly women in Hong Kong. Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia. 2021 Sep 1;7(3):92-7.
2.Leung KS, Yuen WF, Ngai WK, Lam CY, Lau TW, Lee KB, Siu KM, Tang N, Wong SH, Cheung WH. How well are we managing fragility hip fractures? A narrative report on the review with the attempt to set up a Fragility Fracture Registry in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2017.
Do fractures occur more than once?!
After experiencing one fracture, the risk of subsequent fractures can increase up to 10 times, with the highest risk occurring within the first two years after the initial fracture. When a fracture occurs, it may indicate the presence of osteoporosis. It is crucial to seek professional advice from a doctor and undergo early assessment.6
The risk increases by 10 times.
Start building bone strength early to prevent osteoporosis.
Early prevention and diagnosis are key to managing osteoporosis. If you are concerned about the possibility of having osteoporosis or want to have an early understanding of the risk factors associated with it, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a doctor for a thorough assessment and diagnosis. The doctor can evaluate your individual situation through methods such as medical history consultation and physical examination, which will help determine the presence and severity of osteoporosis.
Learn more about osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age, especially among women after menopause who should be particularly vigilant.
Calculate your risk of developing osteoporosis immediately
The Chinese Osteoporosis Screening Algorithm (COSA) is a screening questionnaire designed specifically for the Chinese population and offers higher accuracy within this specific demographic.
How to prevent and treat osteoporosis correctly?
Osteoporosis can lead to severe fractures with far-reaching consequences. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor will recommend an appropriate and comprehensive treatment plan based on your condition and fracture risk.
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Reference
- International Osteoporosis Foundation. Lover your bones: Protect your future. 2016 Available at: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/sites/iofbonehealth/files/2019-06/2016_KnowYourRiskBrochure_Brochure_English.pdf. Accessed 15 Jun 2023.
- International Osteoporosis Foundation. What is Osteoporosis? 2023. Available at: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis.Assessed 15 Jun 2023.
- International Osteoporosis Foundation. Facts and statistics. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures.Accessed 15 Jun 2023.
- Sing CW, et al. Global epidemiology of hip fractures: a study protocol using a common analytical platform among multiple countries. BMJ Open. 2021;11(7):e047258.
- International Osteoporosis Foundation. The Asia-Pacific regional audit. Epidemiology, costs & burden of osteoporosis in 2013. Available at: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/sites/iofbonehealth/files/2019-06/2013_Asia_Pacific_Audit_English.pdf. Accessed 15 Jun 2023.
- Lyet JP. Fragility fractures in the osteoporotic patient: special challenges. J Lanc Gen Hospi. 2006;1:91-95.