Who Knew? Hip Fractures pose Greater Risk to Women than Cancers

A recent report in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
highlights how important osteoporosis is as a public health concern. Patricia A. Thomas, MD, one of the researchers, reports significant morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporosis due to hip fractures.

More women die of hip fractures nationally than die of breast cancer.

• 20 percent of women die within one year
• 20 percent become permanently disabled
• hip fractures cost $18 billion annually in hospital expenditures in the US
• Hip fractures result in one of the biggest Medicare expenditures
  

Dr. Thomas was specifically concerned with health disparities and the lack of awareness about prevention of osteoporosis in minority groups.

• While 41% of white women are familiar with the disease only
• 25% of black women are
• 19% of latino women are
• 17% of Asian women are familiar with osteoporosis and behaviors that help maintain bone mass.
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• Black women are twice as likely to die within the first year after a hip fracture and more than 1.5 times more likely to die while hospitalized for a hip fracture.
  What people do not realize is that after a hip fracture, previously healthy people tend to deteriorate mentally and physically. Blood pressure falls due to blood loss and there is a need for blood transfusions.
  
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• Osteoporosis is a silent disease - but it can be prevented. Get regular exercise. Get a bone density test.
  
• If you have relatives who have been diagnosed with the disease or have history of fractures - you may have a higher risk factor.
  
• omen are at greater risk for osteoporosis.
  
• Post-menopausal women have an even greater risk.
  
• People who smoke have increased risk
• People who abuse alcohol have increased risk

Walking vigorously, low impact aerobics, taking vitamin D, calcium supplements and some medications all help prevent osteoporosis.

Thank you radiant.baby for use of photo.

Labels: health disparities, minority health, osteoporosis

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