by Denys A. Wahl, Laurence Triouleyre and Victoria Monti
OsteoLink combines online and in-person activities to bring a new community-based approach to osteoporosis management
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in an increased risk of fractures. Globally one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime. Importantly, osteoporotic fractures cause pain, deformity, disability, loss of independence and social isolation. The economic burden of osteoporosis in Europe is significant. Total direct medical costs are estimated at €36 billion a year and are expected to double by 2050 with the ageing population. Despite the availability of treatments and educational awareness, there is a problem of low compliance to treatment, leaving the patient a high risk of fracturing a bone.