Fragility Fractures

Abstract

“Our hope is that Americans can live long and live well. Unfortunately, fractures—the most common and devastating consequence of bone disease—frequently make it difficult...” “Much of the burden of bone disease can potentially be avoided if at-risk individuals are identified and appropriate interventions... are... timely.... (H)ealth care providers frequently fail to identify and treat individuals at high risk for osteoporosis or other disorders of bone...” “... a number of `red flags'... signal potential problems with an individual's bone health at different ages. One of the most important flags is a previous fragility-related fracture.”1 In releasing the Surgeon General's report, Bone Health and Osteoporosis , Secretary Tommy Thompson of the Department of Health and Human Services declared: “Osteoporosis, fractures, and other chronic diseases no longer should be thought of as an inevitable part of growing old.” Seniors should “live long and live well.” To achieve that goal, Secretary Thompson contends, we must move beyond the traditional focus on providing health care and emphasize prevention. “By focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes, including physical activity and nutrition, as well as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Americans can avoid much of the damaging impact of bone …