Previous fractures, probability of osteoporosis

• April 20, 2024

A recent study indicates that older women who have suffered from broken bones in their youth, may be at increased risk of osteoporosis. When women develop this bone disease, the loss of quality of life related to health becomes similar to that experienced by people with arthritis, lung disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases, according to the international team of researchers. The results come from the World Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women, directed by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Massachusetts (United States) and 60 thousand women over 55 years of age from ten countries participated: Australia, Belgium, Canada , France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The researchers found that 90% of women who had had previous fractures, suffered more pain, depression, mobility problems or anxiety. The spine, hip and femur were the most affected areas and those that caused a greater decrease in their quality of life. These women may also be more likely to suffer disability because of osteoporosis. According to Cyrus Cooper, a professor of rheumatology at the University of Southampton, "our study shows that the effects of fractures result in significant reductions in quality of life that are as long lasting and disabling as those of other chronic conditions. of fractures, the greater the disability. "

Osteoporosis, fearsome enemy

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the United States, osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the possibility of fractures. Anyone can suffer from it, but it is more common among elderly women. Almost half of all women and a quarter of men over 50 will fracture a bone due to this bone disease. Risk factors include: aging, small and thin stature, family history of osteoporosis, taking certain medications, being a Caucasian or Asian woman, or having osteopenia (loss of bone density). Osteoporosis is a silent disease: you may not know that you have it until a bone is broken. A bone densitometry, which is an examination of bone mineral density, is the best way to control the health of bones. To maintain a resistant skeleton, consume a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, take moderate sun, practice some type of exercise according to your age and health status, and do not smoke.