Specialist for Frankfurt: Osteoporosis often undertreated
Endocrinologist calls for guideline-compliant treatment for osteoporosis patients from Frankfurt
FRANKFURT. Around 160,000 people in Germany suffer a femoral neck fracture every year as a result of osteoporosis. According to the German Society for Trauma Surgery, around 20 percent of patients require long-term care after a femoral neck fracture. In the over-85 age group, around a quarter to a third of those affected die as a result of the fracture. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Christian Wüster is a specialist in endocrinology and therefore also an expert in metabolic bone diseases. He emphasizes: “Many femoral neck fractures could be avoided. This is because more than 90 percent of patients with femoral neck fractures have reduced bone density.
Specialist for the Frankfurt region: Osteoporosis prophylaxis makes sense from 60 at the latest
If bone density is reduced beyond a critical level, doctors speak of osteoporosis. It is a common clinical picture, especially in older people. However, bone loss can be stopped if it is recognized in time: “There are effective medications that generally raise bone density above the fracture threshold. In addition, physical activity and an adapted diet are good ways of counteracting this,” explains Prof. Dr. Wüster.
The experienced specialist recommends targeted osteoporosis prophylaxis for women after menopause and men from around 60 years of age. A bone density measurement and additional laboratory tests can determine exactly whether the bones are healthy or whether action is already required.
Better care for osteoporosis patients from Frankfurt through standardized treatment program
Patients suffering from osteoporosis requiring medical treatment can now enrol in a structured treatment program. The so-called disease management program (DMP) is based on the latest scientific findings and is intended to ensure high-quality care. Prof. Dr. Wüster welcomes the initiative: “The new DMP focuses on intensive education and thus strengthens the initiative of those affected. This is important, because bone health can be significantly influenced by lifestyle.” In addition to patient training, the structured treatment program also includes rehabilitation sports and physical functional training. The therapeutic measures are based on the age, gender and state of health of those affected in order to ensure optimal individual treatment.
