Patient Education
Guide to Osteoporosis
Introduction
Welcome to Skill Builders resource about Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a very common disorder affecting the skeleton. In a patient with osteoporosis, the bones begin losing their minerals and support capabilities, leaving the skeleton brittle and prone to fractures.
Osteoporosis affects an estimated 75 million people in Europe, USA and Japan.
Bone fractures caused by osteoporosis have become very costly. Half of all bone fractures are related to osteoporosis. A person with a hip fracture has a 20 percent chance of dying within six months as a result of the fracture. Many people who have a fracture related to osteoporosis spend considerable time in the hospital and in rehabilitation. Often, they need to spend some time in a nursing home.
This guide will help you understand:
- what happens to your bones when you have osteoporosis
- how health care professionals diagnose the condition
- what you can do to slow or stop bone loss
- Skill Builders approach to rehabilitation