Bone Health and Osteoporosis

Here at MORPh, we are proud to work with speakers who are true experts in their field. This month, we have a webinar on bone health that will be delivered by Nuttan Tanna, Pharmacist Consultant for Women’s Health, Osteoporosis and Bone Health. She will be sharing her expertise on osteoporosis, osteopenia, vitamin D deficiency, bio phosphates and fracture prevention. She also looks at diet, lifestyle and concordance issues and the use of Denosumab and other newer agents. To reinforce the learning, she will be talking participants through a case-based scenario. Read on to find out more about the topic or click here to register for the full webinar.  

Bone health: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder that compromises bone strength. This can predispose the patient to an increased risk of fractures. It is associated with ageing and is often referred to as a silent condition. 

After the age of 50, one in two women and one in ten men are at risk of osteoporotic fractures. In the UK, there are over a quarter of a million osteoporotic bone fractures every year. Of those, 60,000 are in the hips and the average age is over 70. Wrist fractures make up 50,000 with an average age of 55 to 65 and 40,000 are vertebral fractures with an average age of 65 to 75.  

A fragility fracture is defined as a fracture caused by falling from standing height or less. It includes prevalent vertebral deformity. If someone has suffered a fragility fracture, that indicates a strong independent risk of further fractures. 

The impact of vertebral and hip fractures 

Vertebral fractures cause significant decline in quality of life. In fact, women who suffer from such a fracture decline in all aspects of the SF36 quality of life measure. That is to say physical, emotional, social, bodily pain, general health, vitality, and mental health. 

Hip fractures are equally concerning with 80% of women saying that they would rather die than lose their independence and quality of life by suffering a bad hip fracture. Source: NCBI.

Half of those suffering hip fractures are unable to walk unaided whilst 27% need nursing home care in the first year and 40% become dependent. One fifth of those suffering hip fractures die within the first six months.  

Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis may be primary or secondary. Primary osteoporosis is divided into type 1; senile osteoporosis which affects both men and women and type 2; post-menopausal osteoporosis affecting only women. Secondary osteoporosis is caused by underlying disease state or drug therapy.  

Signs of osteoporosis can include: 

• Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine causing the top of the back to look more rounded
• Loss of Height
• Bulging tummy caused by loss of space underneath the ribs
• Fractures

Symptoms include: 

• Head falling forward due to weakening in the neck
• Pain in all or part of the back
• Difficulties with breathing
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and indigestion
• Stress incontinence
• Mobility problems after suffering a fracture

Additional information on bone health and osteoporosis

For greater depth on the topic of osteoporosis including risk factors, prevention and treatment, you can sign up for our bone health webinar. As well as additional input on the topic, participants look at the cases of three patients of varying ages who have various symptoms and risk factors. Alongside the cases, participants will review the guidance for managing patients at low, high and very high risk of osteoporotic fractures. Working through case based questions alongside a review of the guidance allows attendees to consolidate their learning and put it into practice when treating their own patients.