Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common condition where bones become weaker and more likely to break. These broken bones are classed as osteoporotic or fragility fractures which can cause significant pain and disability. Beyond the physical impact, many people experience a loss of confidence, fear of falling leading to another fracture, and reduced independence. This emotional and psychological impact can be profound and immeasurable, affecting not only the individual but also their loved ones.

The financial burden is also considerable, creating significant pressure on both health and social care services.

As highlighted by clinical evidence:

“If somebody has a fracture, there’s a one in three chance they will sustain the next fracture within 12 months.”

Every year, over half a million people experience an osteoporotic fracture in the UK. In Wales alone, there are more than 4,000 hip fractures and around 22,000 fractures of any type annually. Without action, we can expect an additional 10% of patients to sustain a re fracture every year.

Despite this, many people at high risk of osteoporotic fractures are not identified, assessed, or offered treatments that could prevent future fractures.

Your Treatment Options:

The good news is that there are effective treatments that can strengthen your bones, reduce your risk of fractures, and help you stay active and independent.

When individuals are identified early and referred to the specialist osteoporosis services, their risk of further fractures can be reduced by 35–45%.