Osteoporosis: what makes good quality bone?
Broken bones bring pain, deformity and loss of independence
People with osteoporosis have fragile bones that break easily. As more of us live longer, the fractures that result from osteoporosis are reaching epidemic proportions – half of the women in the UK, and one in five men, will suffer the condition after the age of 50. Yet there is no satisfactory treatment.
Many people don't even realise they've got osteoporosis until they break a bone. Breaks are alarming, painful and can have devastating consequences – people who suffer a hip fracture are at increased risk of dying.
It's not just quantity, but also quality that counts
The strength of someone's bones, and their risk of fracture, is normally assessed with a bone density scan, which uses x-rays. This measures the density of bone.But recent studies suggest that it's the quality, as well as the quantity of bone that matters. If we are to retain our independence in later life, it is crucial that we find out exactly how the quality of bone deteriorates and how this can be prevented.
What's the problem and who does it affect?
Spinal fractures cause pain and deformity
An estimated seven million people in the UK have osteoporosis] Their fragile bones break easily. One in two women and one in five men suffer a fracture after the age of 50.The most common type of break is where one of the vertebra – the knobbly bones that make up the spine – collapses down on itself. These compression fractures are painful and debilitating.
Many people suffer fracture after fracture along their spine, meaning they gradually shrink as they grow older and they get a humped back. Some people find it difficult to walk. They face losing their independence and have an increased risk of falling, breaking other bones and even dying.
