Building knowledge to strengthen bones
CIHR-IMHA recognizes Osteoporosis Month, November 2012
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin and porous. As a result, bones weaken and break easily. The fractures, which most commonly affect the wrist, hip and spine, are a serious health problem, causing hospitalization, long-term disability and increased risk of death in older adults.
Sometimes referred to as the "silent thief", osteoporosis progresses without symptoms and is often only diagnosed following a fracture. By that time, however, much of the damage has been done and it's difficult to rebuild the bone structure. That's why it's important to catch osteoporosis early and to promote effective ways to prevent, treat or manage the disease.
That’s also why research is important. The CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis supports strategic research and knowledge translation on osteoporosis and other bone health issues. The Institute recently funded three research teams that will study different areas of bone health. For example, Dr. Robert Young at Simon Fraser University and his team will study new mechanisms, therapeutic targets and technologies for regenerating bone. This work may lead to new treatments for osteoporosis.
CIHR has funded other osteoporosis research that has yielded important results. Dr. Sumit Majumdar at the University of Alberta, for instance, led a recently published study that found a simple education intervention increased osteoporosis treatment rates. The study involved patients who visited emergency departments and had chest x-rays taken that incidentally revealed spinal fractures. Patients were more likely to obtain treatment for osteoporosis if they and their family physicians received follow up information that explained the guidelines for treating osteoporosis. By getting proper follow up care, these patients may avoid devastating fractures and the high cost of treating them.
The excellent work of Dr. Majumdar shows how researchers can make a difference in identifying ways to improve patient care and reduce health care costs.
To learn more about osteoporosis and its impact in Canada, visit: