Osteoporotic fractures - reduction of the risk is possible

Osteoporosis is a widely known but still poorly understood disease. It is one of the most common causes of pain complaints in older persons. The aim of osteoporosis treatment is to prevent fractures, which are often the primary clinical manifestation of osteoporosis. All preventive measures are more effective when they are introduced at an early stage. An important role is assigned to achieving a high peak bone mass and eliminating nutritional risk factors in the early decades of life. It is essential to achieve broad public awareness of osteoporosis and the risk factors for subsequent fractures. The effectiveness of fracture prevention efforts, regardless of the methods applied, is a function of the timing of their introduction. It is highest in the group of patients without fractures, but should be implemented in all patients, even in cases with several broken vertebras and both distal radii. It is never too late for effective treatment. Proper procedures in the initial treatment of fractures are also important. Methods allowing for early mobilization and restoration of physical activity after fracture are of vital importance. This problem, widely discussed in the orthopedic environment, was definitively addressed by the document entitled "Recommendations for Care of the Osteoporotic Fracture Patient to Reduce the Risk of Future Fracture," developed and published in 2004 by the World Orthopedic Osteoporosis Organization (WOOO). Similar initiatives have begun to appear in Poland, initiated by the National Consultant for Orthopedics and the President of the Polish Orthopedics and Traumatology Society. The aim of this work is to prepare diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for all patients with low-energy fractures, to prevent deterioration of disease symptoms, and to minimize the risk of subsequent fractures.