DOTmed January 6, 2025
In a world with increasing comorbidities, musculoskeletal health is often an afterthought for clinicians. Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, isn’t usually a priority, but it should be.
The estimated global prevalence of osteoporosis is very high, at around 18.3%. Osteoporosis places a high burden on healthcare systems. In the US, direct and indirect Medicare costs for osteoporosis-related care are around $57Bn a year. Characterized by bone mineral density (BMD) loss and changes in bone microarchitecture, osteoporosis is usually symptomless until a fracture occurs. Once a fracture occurs, both morbidity and mortality risks are elevated; one study found the rate to be 33% in the 12 months following a hip fracture. Limited mobility, decreased independence, and interference with the ability...