Experts from the Spanish Society of the Vertebral Column (GEER) have warned of the growth of vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis, especially among women over 70 years of age. A study by the Valencia University Clinical Hospital reveals that these cases almost double hospital admissions, highlighting the lack of preventive treatment in the majority of patients. Specialists emphasize the need to promote healthy habits from childhood, such as a diet rich in calcium and regular physical exercise, to prevent osteoporosis.
The study has been carried out at the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia, led by Dr. Antonio Silvestre, head of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology and was presented at the 38th GEER National Congress, revealing that vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis are generating almost an income daily in tertiary hospitals. In 2023, this hospital recorded one admission every 1.6 days, with an average age of 76 years, with 80% of the cases being women.
The analysis also showed that, although many patients had a history of fractures, less than 20% received prior treatment. Furthermore, the study identified accidental falls as the main trigger for these fractures, followed by intense physical exertion. The majority of patients were treated conservatively, although 28% required surgery, with an average hospital stay of one week. Of the sample analyzed, 6.6% of the patients died.
Osteoporosis prevention begins in childhood
“The loss of bone density (osteoporosis) is, by far, the main cause of vertebral fractures in our environment and is associated with aging, but we must avoid spreading the idea that osteoporosis inevitably occurs when we get older, because it is false, and instill healthy habits that favor prevention, especially among women, who are at greater risk,” declared Dr. Alvarez Galovich, Head of the Spine Unit at the Jimenez Diaz Foundation University Hospital in Madrid and president of the GEER.
This study highlights the increasing incidence of vertebral fractures and their impact on public health, warning about the clinical and epidemiological challenges posed by the aging of the population. Specialists insist on implementing preventive measures and pharmacological treatments to reduce the risk of fractures.
“The idea that osteoporosis inevitably comes as we get older is false, and healthy habits must be instilled that promote prevention, especially among women, who are at greater risk”
Vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis, in addition to being mainly caused by the loss of bone density, can be related to other pathologies such as bone cancer. Prevention should begin from an early age with an adequate diet and regular physical activity, maintaining these habits into adult life. However, sedentary lifestyle and current lifestyle are harming bone health, even in young people, concludes Dr. Alvarez Galovich.
The serious problem of second fragility fractures
On the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, which takes place on October 20, the #BreakWith(Re)Fractures campaign is launched, with the aim of raising awareness about the seriousness of second fragility fractures, a problem that affects million people in Spain.
Vertebral fractures increase the risk of suffering another fracture five-fold within one year, and the risk of hip fracture up to four-fold in the next four years. This type of fractures are the fourth chronic disease with the greatest impact in Spain, and some studies predict that their incidence will increase by 30% in the next seven years. This campaign, led by FHOEMO, SEIOMM and AECOSAR, seeks to inform about the importance of early diagnosis and adequate treatment to avoid refractures, which pose a significant risk to the physical and emotional health of patients.
In Spain, more than 3 million people suffer from osteoporosis, with postmenopausal women being the most affected group. In fact, one in four women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis, making them an especially vulnerable population to fragility fractures. The longevity and aging of the population increase the risk of suffering from osteoporosis, so it is expected that by 2030 the number of annual fractures will reach 420,000, which represents a significant challenge for the health system.
One of the main problems associated with vertebral fractures is their impact on the mobility and quality of life of patients, who can develop anxiety and depression. Additionally, second fractures often lead to additional medical complications, increasing the costs of care and the impact on caregivers. To prevent this chain of complications, it is essential to focus on the Fracture Coordination Units (FLS), which allow a multidisciplinary approach and guarantee adequate follow-up.
During the presentation of the #RompeConLas(Re)Fracturas campaign, Dr. Santiago Palacios, president of FHOEMO, highlighted that osteoporosis continues to be a silent disease, since many times it does not present symptoms until the first fracture occurs. Therefore, this campaign seeks to end this cycle of deterioration by promoting healthy lifestyle habits, early diagnosis and preventive treatment.
Finally, the campaign uses the symbol of a jute bow, which represents the fragility of bones affected by osteoporosis. In Spain, more than 22% of women and almost 7% of men over 50 years of age suffer from this disease, underscoring the importance of intervening before fractures occur.
