生活習慣病としての骨粗鬆症

Abstract

Osteoporosis is diagnosed in the presence of increased risk of fracture, but not by the presence of fracture. Osteoporotic fracture is associated with increased mortality and decreased quality of life (QOL) in the elderly. Hip fracture has poor prognosis such that the mortality is high after the fracture and patients quite often need long-term care. Vertebral fracture has high incidence. Although its significance is often overlooked, it is associated with poor QOL, and decreased pulmonary and digestive function. Thus osteoporotic fracture is a preventive disease. Unfortunately, the significance of osteoporosis is not fully acknowledged in the general population. For the prevention of osteoporosis, the collaboration of those with diverse speciality is essential such as the one with medical doctors and dietitians, nurses, and health policy makers