Fragile Breakthrough: Spine Clinics Urged to Combat Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is on the rise. This condition of fragile bones is a disease that can be prevented and even cured. It is important that people at risk for osteoporosis learn about the condition so they can take steps to avoid painful bone fractures.

These authors did osteoporosis screenings on 325 patients who came to a spine clinic for various reasons. All the patients had risk factors for osteoporosis. The tests showed that about 22 percent of them had osteoporosis--a rate much higher than the national average of nine percent.

The authors suggest that spine and other orthopedic clinics have a responsibility to screen their patients for osteoporosis. They recommend that orthopedic doctors be aggressive about giving their patients education and testing to help fight osteoporosis.