Toronto, Canada – Shocking statistics from recent research indicate that hip fractures in older individuals are more fatal than certain types of cancers. A study of 100,000 older patients with fractures revealed that men over 65 who experience a hip fracture have a 40-50% chance of dying within five years, with the risk increasing with age. Even more alarming, the study found that 20-30% of women over 65 would also die within five years of experiencing a hip fracture, with only slightly better outcomes after a spinal fracture.
The research, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, highlighted the significant number of deaths caused by complications stemming from these fractures, such as heart failure or pneumonia. The study, based on health records from Ontario, Canada, emphasized that individuals over the age of 85 faced the highest risk of mortality following a fracture, with the most common time for death occurring within a month of the injury.
Furthermore, previous UK studies have shown that 28% of individuals over 60 who suffer a hip fracture will not survive beyond one year of the injury. These findings have led to calls for improved diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the likelihood of fractures, particularly in the elderly population.
Experts stress the critical importance of addressing osteoporosis early through various bone-strengthening measures, including medication. Osteoporosis, often referred to as the ‘silent epidemic’ due to the lack of symptoms until a fracture occurs, affects half of women and a fifth of men over 50. The disease is attributed to factors such as family history, autoimmune conditions, smoking, thyroid issues, and certain medications.
Jill Griffin, head of clinical engagement at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, emphasized the severity of the consequences of osteoporotic fractures, particularly in older individuals. Urgent action is needed to identify and treat those at risk of osteoporosis to prevent disability and death caused by fractures affecting the spine and hip.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society highlights the urgent need for expanded access to anti-osteoporosis medications, as approximately two-thirds of individuals who require such treatment are currently not receiving it. Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) have been shown to reduce the risk of re-fracture by 30-40%, indicating the potential impact of these services in improving outcomes for individuals recovering from fractures.
In response to these findings, calls have been made for increased support for Fracture Liaison Services to diagnose osteoporosis after the first fracture, given that half of individuals who experience a broken hip had a previous minor fracture that could have indicated their susceptibility to osteoporosis. Emphasizing the need for proactive measures, healthcare professionals advocate for the implementation or funding of FLS to prevent further fractures and improve the overall quality of life for individuals at risk.