Osteoporosis
Safety and efficacy of osteoporosis drug highlighted in new studies
Denosumab can reverse bone loss and lower wrist fracture rates without increasing the risk of infection in women with osteoporosis, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting. Continue reading
Computer games designed to prevent falls developed in the UK
New computer games have been developed in the UK that could reduce the likelihood of falls at home and in the community among older people.
One third of people over 65 years will experience a fall and this rises to half of people over the age of 85 years. Falls often lead to severe injuries that result in the need to live in care homes and can even be fatal. The problem will only get worse as our population ages. Continue reading
Leading arthritis charity calls for personalised care plans for people with musculoskeletal conditions
People with musculoskeletal health conditions would be empowered if they had a care plan designed to support them in self-managing their condition and wellbeing, says a new report from Arthritis Research UK.
About 20% of people in the UK go to the doctor about a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis every year. But only 12% of people with these conditions have a care plan to support them. Continue reading
Weight loss of 10% or more raises hip fracture risk in middle-aged and older people
Losing weight substantially increases risk of hip fracture, says data published in Osteoporosis International, but gaining weight gain does not reduce risk significantly.
We already know that a low body mass index makes hip fracture more likely. But the new findings show that in middle-aged to elderly people, weight loss of 10% or more was associated with a 56% higher hip fracture risk. Continue reading
Bone drug’s anti-cancer properties should be celebrated
Some calcium-binding drugs often used to treat people with osteoporosis may also benefit people with tumours outside the skeleton (including breast cancer), and now experts have discovered why.
Several clinical trials – where women with breast cancer were given bisphosphonates as well as normal treatment for early-stage disease – showed that they have a “survival advantage” and inhibit cancer spread in some women. Continue reading
