OSTEOPOROSIS - PREVALENCE

The estimated worldwide prevalence of osteoporosis in women is as follows:

• 50 – 59 years old, about 4%.

• 60 – 69 years old, about 8%

• 70 – 79 years old, about 25%

• 80 years and above, about 48%

In developed economies such as Singapore, the prevalence of osteoporosis is likely to increase as the population ages. In 2005, 1 in 12 was over 65 years. In 2030, 1 in 5 will be above 65 years.

EFFECTS OF OSTEOPOROSIS AND THE RESULTING FRACTURES

Falls are more common among the elderly. A simple fall on weakened bones often results in fractures, and this most commonly occurs to the hip, vertebrae and wrists.

The statistics are grim. Up to 25% of patients do not survive beyond 1 year after a hip fracture. Of those who do, 20% become semi or fully dependent, and 40% experience some form of reduced mobility.

A person may otherwise be unaware that she/he has osteoporosis, until a fracture occurs.  Pain then occurs at the site of fracture.  If compression fractures occur in the spinal vertebrae, there may be backache with gradual loss of height and development of a "hunched" posture.

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