TORONTO, ON (Tuesday October 12,
2010)- Today, Osteoporosis Canada released its 2010 Clinical Practice Guidelines
for the Diagnosis and Management of Osteoporosis in Canada, published in the Canadian Medical
Association Journal (www.cmaj.ca). The new guidelines represent a
paradigm shift in the prevention and treatment of osteoporotic fractures, moving the focus from treating low
bone mineral density (BMD) to better identifying fractures caused by weakened bones (fragility
fractures).
Despite the high prevalence of fragility fractures, current data indicate
that they are not appropriately assessed or treated. Someone who has experienced a fragility fracture is
likely to experience another, yet fewer than 20 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men who have sustained
fragility fractures receive therapies to prevent their bones from breaking in the future. Fractures can have
a devastating impact on a person’s quality of life, leading to chronic pain, further illness or even death.
The appropriate identification of those at high fracture risk is essential; Osteoporosis Canada’s new
guidelines help physicians and patients better identify the risk of fracture, resulting in better fracture
prevention and better management of osteoporosis overall.
“There have been many advances in the study of osteoporosis since we
launched the last guidelines in 2002,” said Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, lead author and Professor of Medicine,
Division of Geriatric Medicine, McMaster University. “We now recognize that BMD is only one of many risk
factors for fracture, and so it is important for physicians to take an integrated approach to the assessment
of fracture risk and use the new tools available to better manage osteoporosis.”
“The new guidelines provide guidance to doctors and the general public on
how to prevent fractures and maintain strong bones for life,” said Dr. William Leslie, co-lead author, chair
of Osteoporosis Canada’s Scientific Advisory Council and Professor of Medicine and Radiology at the
University of Manitoba“The guidelines introduce tools for physicians and patients, including a new 10-year
fracture risk assessment tool that will guide physicians in the comprehensive management of patients at high
risk for fracture.”
“Osteoporosis Canada is delighted to launch these new guidelines, which
provide guidance for patients and physicians alike on how to best manage osteoporosis,” said Dr. Famida Jiwa,
acting President & CEO, Osteoporosis Canada. “The impact of fragility fractures can be devastating for a
patient, which is why all Canadians over the age of 50 who have had a fracture should discuss osteoporosis
and fracture risk factors with their doctor.”
The guidelines recommend that patients at risk for fracture incorporate
changes into their lifestyle to prevent bones from breaking. Regular physical exercise that includes
weight-bearing activities along with adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are important to building bone
strength and balance. For some, medication may be needed to prevent fractures.
While osteoporosis often goes unnoticed and without symptoms, common
signs of osteoporosis include hip or spinal fractures in the absence of significant trauma to the bone. For
many Canadians over the age of 50, a hip fracture due to osteoporosis usually occurs after a fall. A major
risk factor for osteoporosis is family history of fragility fractures, and a hunched upper back or loss of
height commonly signify possibility of spinal fractures. For those at high risk of fracture, early
intervention is key to the prevention of fractures; those who have experienced these symptoms should speak to
their doctor.
About Osteoporosis Canada
Osteoporosis Canada, a registered charity, is the only national
organization serving people who have or are at risk for osteoporosis. In keeping with our vision of a Canada
without osteoporotic fractures, the organization works to educate, empower and support individuals and
communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis by providing medically accurate information
to patients, health professionals and the public.
At least 2 million Canadians are affected by osteoporosis. One in four
women and many men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. However, the disease can occur at any age. There are
approximately 30,000 hip fractures per year in Canada; data on spinal fractures is limited, but it is
estimated that 65 per cent of vertebral fractures go undetected. For more information, visit www.osteoporosis.ca.
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For further information or to arrange an interview with an Osteoporosis
Canada spokesperson, contact:
Matthew Rocheford
Osteoporosis Canada
mrocheford@osteoporosis.ca
416-696-2663 ext. 233
Martha Linton
Hill & Knowlton
martha.linton@hillandknowlton.ca
416-413-4734
