ROSEMONT, Ill., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Osteoporosis is a condition of decreased bone mass that results in bones becoming weaker and more likely to fracture. According to a report issued today by the US Surgeon General, osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 44 million Americans. This disabling condition is implicated in 1.5 million fractures each year in the United States alone, and it is a significant cause of musculoskeletal pain, deformity, disability, and even death.
In general, women have a 50 percent lifetime risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture. At the age of 50, for example, a white woman has a 16 percent lifetime risk of sustaining a hip fracture, one of the most serious fractures. The risk of hip fracture is greater than the risk of breast cancer, at 11 percent. Orthopaedic surgeons urge postmenopausal women and older men who have had a fracture to ask their healthcare provider about their risk of osteoporosis. Younger fracture patients should discuss osteoporosis with their healthcare provider if they have additional risk factors, such as low weight, smoking, family history, and use of certain medications, such as steroids.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) urges both the medical community and patients to be aware of the risk factors for osteoporosis and take steps to prevent, diagnose, and treat this serious condition. Laura Tosi, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, board member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and former chair of its Committee on Women's Issues, notes, "One of the most compelling reasons to determine the etiology of a fracture and provide appropriate treatment is that a previous low-energy fracture is among the strongest risk factors for new fractures." Fragility, or low-energy fractures are those resulting from a fall from a standing height or less, or presenting in the absence of obvious trauma.
The AAOS recently provided its membership with recommendations for enhancing the care of patients with fragility fractures. The recommendations include:
-- Consider the likelihood that osteoporosis is a predisposing factor
when a patient presents with a fragility fracture.
-- Advise patients with fragility fractures that an osteoporosis
evaluation may lead to treatment, which can reduce the risk of future
fractures.
-- Initiate an investigation of whether osteoporosis is an underlying
cause in patients with fragility fractures. The orthopaedic surgeon
may conduct this evaluation or may refer the patient to another
medical provider.
-- Establish partnerships within the medical and nursing community that
facilitate the evaluation and treatment of patients with fragility
fractures.
-- Urge their hospitals and office practices to establish clinical
pathways that ensure optimal care is provided for patients with
fragility fractures.
Parents should also know that it is never too soon to start preventing osteoporosis through healthy lifestyle choices. These behaviors in childhood and adolescence lay the foundation to reach peak bone density. Two key elements of this healthy lifestyle are exercise and diet. Bones, like muscles, need exercise to stay strong. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, and jogging are best for building and maintaining strong bones. Adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in the diet play an important role in preventing osteoporosis. Calcium rich foods, many of which are also vitamin D supplemented, such as yogurt, cheese, milk, sardines with bones and green leafy vegetables like broccoli and collard greens may help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
For adults, protective strategies include taking calcium and vitamin D daily, preferably in diet, but if necessary in supplements. Weight-bearing or resistive exercise including weight-lifting is also important. Exercise contributes to preventing natural bone loss and strengthens muscles, which helps us maintain our sense of balance and avoid falls, which further reduces the risk of fractures. Medications are also effective in preventing bone loss and should be discussed with a physician.
Orthopaedic surgeons have a unique opportunity to educate the fracture patient about the need to decrease the risk for future fractures and to advocate for improved fracture care in their communities. Visit http://www.aaos.org/wordhtml/papers/position/1159.htm for more information.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
With more than 27,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ( http://www.aaos.org/ ) or ( http://www.orthoinfo.org/ ), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade ( http://www.usbjd.org/ ), the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health to stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. President Bush has declared the years 2002-2011 National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives.
American Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsCONTACT: Teena Austin, +1-847-384-4031, or austin@aaos.org , or KoryD'Angelo, +1-847-384-4034, or dangelo@aaos.org , both of American Academy ofOrthopaedic Surgeons