Osteoporosis is a process of weakening of the bones most commonly affecting women after the menopause. Bone density is
generally reduced and fractures become more likely.
There is currently a greatly increasing population of patients at risk of fractures due to osteoporosis
Hip, wrist and vertebral fractures are already very common and we will have many more to treat in future
There are many treatments emerging for the treatment of osteoprosis and for the prevention of fracture, even after patients
have already had a fracture.
These treatments are highly effective and patients should be encouraged to seek them
A bone scan may or may not be required to diagnose the condition
One recommendation by NICE is that all women over the age of 75 with a hip fracture go onto bisphosphonate treatment
straight away without any further investigation
These treatments may be tablets or monthly injections and can reduce the risk of fracture by over 40% for patients at
risk
We have screening services at Blackheath and King's College Hospital and all patients over 55 attending our
King's College Hospital fracture clinic will be seen by Sarah Brannigan, our Osteoporosis Nurse Specialist and will
be advised accordingly
It is better to avoid having a fracture in the first place though...so see your GP!
