Global Call to Action on Fragility Fractures

The International Geriatric Fracture Society (IGFS) has published a Global Call to Action on fragility fractures and is receiving substantial support because of the changing global population.

According to the organization, “By 2010, the global incidence of one of the most common and debilitating fragility fractures, hip fracture, was estimated to be 2.7 million cases per year.”

“Conservative projections suggest that this will increase to 4.5 million cases per year by 2050. While all countries will be impacted, in absolute terms, Asia will bear the brunt of this growing burden of disease, with around half of hip fractures occurring in this region by the middle of the century.”

“And the associated costs are staggering: in Europe in 2010, osteoporosis cost Euro 37 billion, while in the United States estimates for fracture costs for 2020 are US$22 billion.”

“A major step towards making this call to action occurred today with publication of a Global Call to Action to improve the care of people with fragility fractures. Endorsed by 81 leading organizations from around the world, covering the fields of medicine and nursing for older people, orthopaedic surgery, osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease, physiotherapy, rehabilitation medicine and rheumatology, the case for transformation of the following aspects of care has been made:

• The surgical and medical care provided to a person hospitalized with a hip fracture, a painful fracture of the spine and other major fragility fractures.
• Prevention of second and subsequent fractures for people who have sustained their first fragility fracture.
• Rehabilitation of people whose ability to function is impaired by hip fractures and other major fragility fractures, to restore their mobility and independence.”

Arvind Nana, M.D., M.B.A., president, International Geriatric Fracture Society told OTW, “Fall risk management and physical activity are simple and effective ways to promote prevention of fragility fractures and injury. These measures do not depend on administrative and/or insurance pathways, and best of all can be initiated at any age. The clear advantage is to the patient who can realize the positive long term systemic benefits of such interventions.”

Fraser Cobbe, executive director of the International Geriatric Fracture Society, told OTW, “There are an unprecedented number of organizations coming together worldwide to focus on improving care for this aging population. A significant amount of literature and resources are available to implement best practices and clinical pathways that have proven to improve outcomes. No matter the size of your institution or practice, we are documenting positive results across the spectrum.”