Women at Higher Risk for Hip Fractures: Identifying Osteoporosis Early and Initiating Treatment Key to Fracture Prevention

8/22/2002

From: Todd Schuetz of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 847-384-4032, e-mail: schuetz@aaos.org

ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 22 -- When Eunice Kennedy Shriver was hospitalized Tuesday after breaking her hip at her home, she became one of the 11 million older Americans who fall each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries to older people in the United States. By the year 2050, the number of hip fractures are expected to reach 650,000 per year-nearly 1,800 hip fractures a day. Treatment of the injuries and complications associated with falls costs the U.S. more then $20.2 billion annually.

Falls leading to hip fractures can have a devastating impact on the lives of those who sustain them, as well as their families. In spite of very successful surgery to treat the fracture, over 40 percent of hip fracture patients will be unable to regain their ability to walk as they did before the fracture; 10 percent may lose their ability to walk altogether; and another 15 percent will be limited to walking inside their homes and will be unable to walk in the community.

Why are seniors so prone to hip fractures? Osteoporosis is responsible for almost all hip fractures in older men and women. With over 10 million people having osteoporosis and another 18 million having low bone mass, the likelihood of breaking a bone when falling is extremely high.

Osteoporosis or "porous bone" develops when bone calcium is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed, making the bone brittle. Women are much more likely to develop osteoporosis then men, although men are still at risk. Half of all women will sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture sometime in their lifetime.

Individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis can reduce the risk of hip fractures by making changes in their diet and lifestyle as well as working with their physicians to determine the appropriate medical therapy. Building bone strength starts during childhood and adolescence and needs to be maintained throughout a lifetime by getting enough weight-bearing exercise and calcium.

Research shows that simple safety modifications at home -- where 60 percent of seniors' falls occur -- can substantially cut the risk of falling. Simple changes in furniture arrangement, housekeeping and lighting can help to prevent falls. Falls can occur anytime, any place and to anyone while doing everyday activities such as climbing stairs or getting out of the bathtub. Although some risk factors for falls, such as heredity and age, cannot be changed, several risk factors can be eliminated or reduced.

As part of the Prevent Injuries America!(r) program, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these guidelines on reducing the risks of falling.

-- Get an annual physical and eye examination, particularly an evaluation of cardiac and blood pressure problems. -- Maintain a diet with at least 1200 mg calcium and 1300 mg vitamin D. -- Walking and weight training improve both muscle and bone and balance activities such as Tai Chi reduce the risk of falls. -- Eliminate all tripping hazards at home such as loose rugs and repair any loose carpeting or floor boards, install non-slip tread on stairs, and install grab bars and handrails. -- Provide enough light to see each step at both the top and bottom of stairways. -- Wear properly fitting shoes with nonskid soles. Tie shoe laces. -- Replace slippers that have stretched out of shape and are too loose. -- Keep an up-to-date list of medications and provide it to all doctors. Check with your doctor(s) about the side effects of your medicines and over-the-counter drugs. Fatigue or confusion increases the risk of falling.

Internet users can find information on preventing falls, safe proofing your home, osteoporosis and hip fractures on the Academy's web site, http://www.aaos.org, or call the Academy's Public Service line at 800-824-BONES.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

The 26,047-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 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.boneandjointdecade.org), the global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, 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.