The incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures is expected to increase in some Eurasian countries

A detailed study of the burden of osteoporosis in eight Eurasian countries has found that osteoporosis is a major and growing health problem in the region that will grow in the future as a result of expected demographic changes.

The authors of the Study report reviewed the available literature and examined the representatives of the national osteoporosis associations in eight Eurasian countries. The Study reviews both the burden and the differences between Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, and Uzbekistan in terms of frequency of osteoporosis and frequency of osteoporotic fractures, changes future demographics, study facilities, and access to treatment.

The results show that:

• The number of expected osteoporosis patients varies from 240,000 in Armenia to 16 million in the Russian Federation.
• Fragility breakdown represents a serious health problem in all countries, with the highest incidence in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
• In all the countries surveyed, according to a systematic study of the frequency of hip fractures worldwide, women are at moderate risk (200-300 / 100,000 people per year) of hip fractures while men medium (100-150 / 100,000) to high (150 / 100,000) risk in the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
• The hospitalization rate after hip fracture in most countries is low (33-80%), well below international levels.
• In the coming decades the numbers, especially Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, will continue to see an increase in life expectancy with a corresponding increase in the number of fractures in the elderly. Thus, in 2050, the number of hip fractures in these countries is expected to rise 2.5-3.5 times.
• The availability of DXA devices is in the low category (0.2-1.3 per million), and DXA scans are expensive.
• Almost all conventional treatments are available, but in countries that do not provide coverage, the costs of even the prescribed bisphosphonate are generally high for most people with osteoporosis.

Professor Olga Lesnyak, lead author of the Study, said:

“We were pleased to see that in the 10 years since the previous International Osteoporosis Survey (IOF) 2, some progress has been made in the sector. However, the Study clearly shows that there are significant gaps and great need for improvement in the fights against osteoporosis and related fractures, especially despite expected demographic changes.We have identified an inappropriate absence of organized, specific trauma care for patients with hip fractures and poor access to diagnosis, protective therapies, and postoperative care in most regional countries. “

With the expected demographic changes in the Eurasian region there will be a significant increase in the number of people with osteoporosis. To prevent the fullness of disability and the loss of independence as a result of fragility violations, urgent action is now needed at national level in all countries. This must begin with the identification of osteoporosis as a key health issue. We sincerely hope that this Review will provide valuable insights and recommendations for health policy advances that will lead to less disruption and better patient outcomes in the region. “

Dr Philippe Halbout, Head of IOF

The authors and national associations of osteoporosis contributed to the Regional Study recommended by Professor Jean-Yves Reginster, Chair of the IOF National Associations Committee (CNS) Committee:

“IOF is honored to count 14 associations from the Eurasian region in its network of 260 member organizations from around the world. We congratulate the member associations and lead authors on this important initiative which highlights the burden of osteoporosis and identifies the key areas that need to be addressed now and in the future. “