New clinic helps break the fracture cycle
23 February 2011
One broken bone can be a predictor of future fractures but it is hoped a specialist clinic being held in Singleton will help people reduce their risk.
The new clinic aims to assist people in the Singleton community who may have the bone disease osteoporosis to manage their condition and help prevent future fractures from occurring.
The fracture prevention and referral clinic is held every second month at Singleton Hospital and is an outreach service run by a specialist from the Royal Newcastle Centre.
Osteoporosis is a common disease where bones lose calcium and other minerals, become fragile and break more easily. Often there will be no signs or symptoms until a fracture happens.
"Osteoporosis is more common than people think," said Rheumatologist Dr John Van Der Kallen, who runs the clinic.
"It is estimated that one in 10 people in Australia have the condition.
"Osteoporosis is a silent condition until someone breaks a bone."
The clinic sees people of any age who have or who may be at risk of developing osteoporosis. However, most of the people referred to the service are likely to be aged over 50 who have experienced a fracture from a simple trip or fall, Dr Van Der Kallen said.
For those with osteoporosis, even a minor bump or accident can cause serious fractures.
"A first fracture is a predicter of future fractures.
"There is a cascade effect: after one fracture, the risk of another fracture is four-fold, after a second fracture it is nine-fold.
"But many of these fractures may be preventable through early identification of osteoporosis and ongoing management and follow-up," he said.
"That is what we hope to do through the clinics, we want to intervene early to prevent further fractures from occuring in the future."
Risk factors for osteoporosis include low calcium levels, low vitamin D, lack of regular exercise, smoking, excess alcohol intake and chronic disease. Early menopause and a family history of hip fracture related to osteoporosis can also increase risk.
The next clinic will be held in March. To find out how you can make appointment or obtain a referral, contact 4922 3526, or talk to your local doctor to make a referral.
Did you know:
• 1.9 million Australians have osteoporosis ( 1 in 10 people)
• 60% women and 30% men aged over 60 will have a fracture from osteoporosis.
• Every 5 minutes a person is admitted to hospital as a result of osteoporosis
• 25% of people with a hip fracture may die within 12 months
• 25% of people over the age of 50 with a hip fracture will require nursing home care
• 75% of osteoporosis is undiagnosed
Risk factors for osteoporosis include:
• Low dietary calcium
• Low vitamin D
• Lack of regular exercise
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol
• Previous fracture
• Chronic disease with multi pharmacy
• Early Menopause
• A history of family hip fracture related to osteoporosis.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216