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Musculoskeletal conditions - arthritis and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is not a form of arthritis but is another type of musculoskeletal disorder. Osteoporosis means "porous bones" and is a disease where bone density and structural quality deteriorate, leading to an increased risk of fracture.

For people with osteoporosis, even a minor bump or fall can cause a serious fracture. The most common sites of fracture are the bones of the spine, the hip and the wrist. However other bones are commonly affected, including the shoulder, ribs and the pelvis.

According to the most recent National Health Survey 2007-08, 3% of the total population have osteoporosis; this is 1% of males and 5% of females. Like arthritis, the proportion of people with osteoporosis increased with age from less than 1% of people aged less than 25 years to 16% of people aged 65 years and over¹.

Lifestyle, exercise, hormonal activity and nutrition all affect bone strength. Peak bone mass development occurs during childhood and adolescence. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D via moderate exposure to sunlight or supplements and regular weight bearing exercise throughout this period privides greater protection against fractures later in life.

Although osteoporosis is a major source of both acute and chronic disability, people are often not aware that they have osteoporosis because there are no symptoms. People may not know that their bones are becoming weaker until they experience:

• a painful fracture, usually of the wrist, hip or spine, which can lead to serious complications, a loss of independence and an early admission to aged care facilities
• curvature of the spine or
• loss of height

If a person is over the age of 50 and experiences a fracture from a bump or low fall, they should seek medical treatment for possible osteoporosis.

One in two women and one in three men who are over 60 in Australia would have a fracture due to osteoporosis². Osteoporosis is more common in women because for five to ten years following menopause there is a sharp decline in the female hormone oestrogen, which plays a central role in maintaining bone mass balance. The decrease in the production of oestrogen accelerates calcium loss in bones. Maintaining a good diet and lifestyle with an adequate intake of calcium and moderate sunlight to help produce vitamin D in combination with weight bearing exercise can help prevent osteoporosis³.

¹ Page 3, 2007-08 National Health Survey: summary of results reported by the ABS, May 2009
² Source: Osteoporosis Australia
³ Ibid

Page last reviewed: 23 August 2010