Osteoporosis fractures avoidable

Osteoporosis: Increased fractures due to bone loss in old age

14/10/2014

Osteoporosis is a relatively common bone disease that primarily affects the elderly and is associated with increased bone fractures. Even slight falls can lead to severe fractures in those affected. On the occasion of the World Osteoporosis Day on October 20, various specialist societies, health care facilities and health insurance companies will provide information on the latest findings on this particular bone disease and new approaches in the guidelines of the umbrella organization Osteology (DVO) for the prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

„Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in old age“, The AOK reports in its press release on World Osteoporosis Day. According to the Kuratorium Knochengesundheit „In Germany, a total of 7.8 million of over-50s are affected by bone disease“ and „6.5 million of them are women“, so the message of the health insurance. If the disease remains unrecognized or if timely treatment is not given, there is a risk of increased bone fractures as well as chronic pain or even disability requiring long-term care. However, the progression of the disease can be successfully prevented with a combination of medication and exercise therapy. In self-help groups, senior citizens with special gymnastics can tackle the declining bone density.

Many sufferers are in need of care
Osteoporosis has the consequence that the bones can break even under everyday stress, with the Board of Trustees bone health, especially the vertebral body, the hip-near thigh and the forearm are particularly often affected. Altogether 26 per cent of the population over 50 years are affected by osteoporosis in Germany. In the course of demographic change, therefore, a significant increase in osteoporosis diseases is to be expected. Osteoporosis is one of the major health challenges of the 21st century. For many sufferers, the diagnosis is initially a shock, but without a diagnosis no treatment and without treatment, the disease can quickly reach levels that result in a complete care of the patient. Because „a break in advanced age questions everything. For many, it is over with the independence“, quotes the news agency „dpa“ the chairman of the Federation of Osteology (DVO), Heide Siggelkow. One quarter of those affected could "not care for themselves after a fracture and become dependent on care". In addition, in particular "in severe hip fractures within the first year after the fracture, a significantly increased risk of death of those affected".

Age and gender influence the disease risk
On the causes of osteoporosis, Johannes Pfeilschifter, co-opted DVO member of the MVZ Endocrinologic Ruhr and coordinator for the further development of the guideline for the prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapy of osteoporosis, explained that age and gender play an essential role. „At the age of 70, osteoporosis is a common disease“, quotes the „dpa“ the experts. However, it has not yet been conclusively clarified why age increases the probability of osteoporosis. Here "probably a whole range of factors that can promote osteoporosis accumulate," said Pfeilschifter. For example, a relationship with the reduced release of sex hormones is to be noted, because estrogen and testosterone have a significant impact on bone regeneration. In addition, the declining muscle strength plays a role in old age, as it brings a reduced bone density with it.

Combination of medication and exercise therapy
Regardless of the causes of osteoporosis, it is possible to significantly improve bone strength with various medications. However, medications alone can only have a limited influence on fracture risk. Movement therapy therefore plays an important role in reducing the risk of falling and, on the other hand, stimulating bone regeneration. Prerequisite for the initiation of therapy, however, is a corresponding diagnosis. However, the DVO chairman sees clear deficits here. Because „In Germany we are far behind in terms of diagnosis“, quotes the „dpa“ Heath Siggelkow. Often GPs were not well-sensitized to the signs of bone disease and even after several fractures is too rarely concluded on osteoporosis.

Aftercare has often been inadequate
In addition, following a bone fracture, there is often no adequate aftercare. According to Siggelkow cares „The surgeon usually does a great job of making the hip work again“; but much more should be taken into consideration, „how it can succeed that the whole person works again“, reports the „dpa“. Here are other countries with the reintegration of patients after a break significantly further. Special nurses take care of proper aftercare. „Approaches to improving the transition between hospital, home or home are still in their infancy“, quotes the „dpa“ the DVO chairman. All in all, the new guidelines of the DVO open up many new approaches, which are now to be discussed in a broader environment in the context of World Osteoporosis Day. (Fp)