Definition
Normal bone is composed of a mixture of calcium and other minerals such as magnesium and phosphate. It is also made up of collagen (protein), which forms the structural framework of bone.
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Osteoporosis is a condition, which results in loss of bone strength, thus making bone more fragile and easily susceptible to fracture.
Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss of mineral content from bone mainly in the form of calcium as well as architectural loss of normal bone structure. The loss of mineral content of the bone is referred to as a loss of bone mineral density in the bone. |
Normal bone Osteoporotic bone
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It is a process that affects all individuals and is a part of normal ageing. All individuals if they live long enough will develop osteoporosis. Some individuals due to various illnesses or as part of hormonal deficiency states will develop osteoporosis at an earlier stage in their life. After menopause 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 currently have an osteoporosis related condition of which three quarters are women.
Osteoporosis currently affects approximately 10% of the Australian population. There is general concern that the prevalence of osteoporosis is only likely to increase over the next few years due to the fact that life expectancy of average Australians is increasing.
It is projected that by 2021, osteoporosis will affect some 13% of the Australian population.
In addition osteoporosis also 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% are vertebral fractures, 16% are hip fractures and 16% are wrist fractures.
- Hip fractures are particularly problematic as there is evidence to suggest that 50% 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% 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 and prevent the development of osteoporosis or at least treat it as early as possible so that the devastating affects of the condition can be minimised.
Content updated February 20, 2006
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 July 2006 )
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