London, England – Shocking statistics reveal the fatal implications of hip fractures, especially in older individuals, surpassing the mortality rates of some cancers. Recent research highlights that individuals over 65 who experience a hip fracture face a higher risk of mortality within five years compared to those diagnosed with breast cancer. Contrary to common belief that bone fractures are minor injuries, a study involving 100,000 older fracture patients demonstrates that 40-50 percent of men and 20-30 percent of women over 65 will succumb to death within five years post-fracture, with a higher mortality risk associated with older age.
Furthermore, the study, detailed in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, indicates that death rates following a hip fracture are only slightly better than those following a spinal fracture. Complications arising from the life-altering injury, such as heart failure or pneumonia, contribute significantly to the mortality rates. Particularly, individuals over 85 face the highest risk of mortality post-fracture, with the most common time for death occurring within a month of the injury.
In the United Kingdom, previous research reveals that 28 percent of individuals over 60 who sustain a hip fracture will die within a year of the injury. The findings have sparked calls for enhanced diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a condition that increases bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures, especially prevalent in older populations. Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing osteoporosis, which can be effectively managed with various bone-strengthening interventions, including medication, if detected early.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society underscores the critical implications of osteoporosis, warning that it poses a significant threat to healthy aging. Despite the availability of anti-osteoporosis medications, two-thirds of individuals who require them are not receiving proper treatment each year, highlighting the need for improved access to fracture liaison clinics and services. Fracture Liaison Services have been shown to reduce re-fracture risk by 30-40 percent, demonstrating the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing disability and premature death.
Jill Griffin, head of clinical engagement at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, stresses the severe impact of fractures on the lives of affected individuals, underscoring the necessity of proactive identification and management of osteoporosis. Urgent action is urged to address the rising prevalence of fractures and mitigate the associated risks of mortality, particularly in older populations. The call for improved fracture care and osteoporosis treatment echoes throughout the healthcare system, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance outcomes for individuals at risk of fractures.