Note from AAHPO Board Member John Bilezikian, MD, a renowned metabolic bone disease expert, regarding the article which appears below these remarks:
Osteoporosis, a disorder of weakened bones associated with increased risk of fracture, is a major international health problem. A recent update of the scope of this problem was recently published by Douglas Kiel, Professor at Harvard and a leader in studies related to the global epidemiology of osteoporosis. In the report recently published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the flagship journal of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research, Dr. Kiel reports that the expected incidence of hip fracture, the most serious complication of osteoporosis, is likely to increase over the next 30 years, despite a downturn in hip fractures in many countries. The study accessed data from 19 different countries and included over 4 million hip fractures. The reason for the expected doubling in the number of hip fractures, worldwide, relates to the aging population. With aging comes increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Another important finding of the study confirms the point that many individuals who sustain an osteoporotic hip fracture do not received therapy to prevent another one. The risk of another fracture in someone who has sustained a hip fracture is markedly higher if treatment is not instituted. This study describes differences among countries but underscores, overall, the need for greater awareness of this disease and for implementation of measures to prevent and treat it.
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An international study that included researchers from Harvard Medical School indicates that while age- and sex-standardized hip fracture incidence rates have decreased in most regions around the globe, the number of hip fractures worldwide is projected to nearly double by 2050, compared to 2018.
A significant treatment gap in patients sustaining a hip fracture and not receiving therapy to prevent future fractures was also observed in all countries and regions, particularly in men.
The study, recently published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, reviewed more than 4 million cases and highlights an urgent need for better strategies in hip fracture prevention and care.
Hip fracture remains a global public health concern contributing to increased dependency, morbidity, and mortality and placing a burden on patients, their families, and health care systems.
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