Search

This article presents information on implications of low-energy fractures experienced by women at midlife. In Canada, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men aged 50 years and older have osteoporosis. The risk of low-energy fractures is substantial. Recent research in Canada projects an annual total cost for femoral fractures alone at $10 billion, rising to $20 billion if osteoporotic fractures are included. Prevention, early detection, and cost-effective treatment are possible and recommended to save pain, suffering, and health care costs of osteoporosis and related fractures.

Objective: To gain understanding of the experiences and sequelae of fractures in women aged 40-65 years and to assess whether it is linked to overall bone health assessment. Method: A qualitative study using face-to-face indepth interviews. Findings: Contrary to the common belief that fractures are benign, for middle-aged women, fractures have a significant impact on their well-being in both the short and long term. Women report significant pain as well as an immediate need for help from family and professional caregivers. They experience interruptions to daily and leisure activities, employment, daily life and mobility. Only a minority of women and/or their family physicians initiated follow up to investigate bone health subsequent to the fracture. Conclusions: Bone health is often examined in the context of already established bone disease. This study suggests a need for a closer examination of fracture treatment in the context of preventive care, and early detection of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]