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About Osteoporosis Facts
Facts
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Definition
Normal bone is composed of a mixture of calcium and other minerals such as magnesium and phosphate. It also contains collagen, a protein that forms the structural framework of bone..
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Osteoporosis is a condition that results in loss of bone strength, making bones more fragile and more susceptible to fracture. Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss of mineral (mainly calcium) content from bone, as well as architectural loss of normal bone structure. This loss of mineral content is referred to as a reduction in bone mineral density. |
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Loss of bone mineral density is a normal part of aging that affects all individuals. If they lived long enough, everyone would develop osteoporosis. Some individuals, however, will develop osteoporosis at an earlier stage in their life due to various illnesses or hormonal deficiencies. After menopause, for example, women are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.
In itself, osteoporosis causes no symptoms. It is when fractures occur that the problems of osteoporosis arise.
Statistics
It is estimated that nearly 2 million Australians (approximately 10 per cent of the country's population) currently have an osteoporosis related condition, and three quarters of these affected individuals are women.
There is general concern that the prevalence of osteoporosis is likely to increase over the next few years, due to increasing life expectancy of average Australians. It is projected that by 2021, osteoporosis will affect some 13 per cent of the Australian population. In addition, osteoporosis has significant health related costs of $7.4 billion per annum.1
How common is osteoporosis?
- After the age of 60 years, 1 in 2 Australian women and 1 in 3 Australian men will sustain an osteoporotic fracture.
- Of all osteoporotic fractures in Australia, 46 per cent are vertebral fractures, 16 per cent are hip fractures and 16 per cent are wrist fractures.
- Hip fractures are particularly problematic, as there is evidence to suggest that 50 per cent of elderly patients sustaining a hip fracture need subsequent long-term nursing care.
- There also is an increased risk of mortality associated with hip fractures, with some figures indicating that 15 per cent of hip fractures in the elderly lead to death within 4 months of the fracture.1
It is important to look at ways to try to prevent the development of osteoporosis, or at least treat it as early as possible, so that the devastating effects of this condition can be minimised.
Further resources
Magazine article (Winter 2011) - Your bone health's connected to your...
Content updated July 27, 2011
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