Work

Public Health Impact of Osteoporosis

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the public health impact of osteoporosis including the magnitude of the problem and important consequences of osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: Literature review of key references selected by author. RESULTS: Current demographic trends leading to an increased number of individuals surviving past age 65 will result in an increased number of osteoporotic fractures. Important consequences of osteoporotic fractures include an increased mortality that for hip fractures extends to 10 years after the fracture. Increased mortality risk also extends to major and minor fractures, especially, in those over 75 years. Hip and vertebral fractures have important functional consequences and reductions in quality of life. The economic impact of osteoporotic fractures is large and growing. Significant health care resources are required for all fractures. CONCLUSIONS: To alleviate the public and private burden of osteoporosis related fractures, assessment of risk and reduction of individual risk is critical.

Source: The Journals of Gerontology Series A

DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glt093

Author: J. A. Cauley

Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Language: English

Topic: Bone health and osteoporosis research

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Center for Research Resources