The imminent risk of osteoporotic fracture in Chinese elderly population / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

With the aging of the population, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures is increasing year by year, which leads to a heavy burden to society and families. Preventing osteoporotic fractures and re-fractures are critical issues and current challenges in our country. At present, most patients with high risk of osteoporotic fractures are identified in hospitals after fractures. Due to lack of proper understanding of osteoporotic fractures and a comprehensive management system, clinicians only focus on to the treatment of the fracture itself, and pay less attention to the prevention of long-term fractures. Epidemiological data show that in patients with high risk of osteoporotic fracture or those having first fractures, the risk of reoccurring fractures within 2 years is significantly increased, and the risk of death also continues to increase. This is defined as imminent fracture risk, and it is one of the pressing areas that we can and should start to take action in clinic. Taking into considecation of national conditions, this article analyzes current gaps in the risk management of osteoporotic fractures and proposes strategies from aspects of high-risk population identification, treatment, and multidisciplinary cooperation.