Many women with osteoporosis 'are not aware of fracture risks'

Many women at high-risk of osteoporosis-related fractures are unaware what the implications are, according to a new scientific study.

People need to have a clear understanding of what the risks are in order to protect themselves from the serious consequences of fractures, according to an article published in the journal Osteoporosis International.

The study involved more than 60,000 post-menopausal women in ten countries, finding that 43 per cent of women diagnosed with osteoporosis still believed their risk of fracture was the same as any other woman their age.

Lead author Ethel Siris MD said "We hope the insight we obtain will help physicians and patients work together to identify those at risk for fracture and to enhance understanding of the meaning of that risk.

"Education is critical if we are to reduce the burden of fractures worldwide."

Bone fractures bring with them chronic pain, reduced mobility and in the case of hip fracture, an increased risk of death, the study claims.

A separate study published last month found that long term use of bisphosphonate treatments, common in people with osteoporosis, can lead to reduced bone quality.

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