Doha, 30 October 2024: This year’s World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) focused on raising awareness of the importance of bone health, promoting early diagnosis, and educating people on the risk factors and preventive measures for osteoporosis.
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) joined the global effort, aligning with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), which works with health organizations around the world to promote bone health and encourage preventive action. The overarching theme, “strong bones for a lifetime,” highlights the need to maintain bone health through all stages of life.
“As part of the campaign, a booth at Hamad General Hospital featured information sessions for healthcare professionals and the public, aiming to spread knowledge and improve outcomes. By enhancing public awareness, promoting proactive management, and fostering a culture of bone health, the WOD campaign seeks to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis and improve overall patient care, said Dr. Nabeel Abdulla, Consultant from HMC’s Rheumatology Division.
He explained that osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, which increases the risk of fractures with minimal trauma, especially in older adults. He emphasized the importance of early detection and awareness, noting that osteoporosis, characterized by fragile and brittle bones, puts individuals at higher risk of fractures, particularly older adults and women. Dr. Abdulla pointed out key risk factors, including older age, female gender, family history of osteoporosis, and lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and smoking.
He mentioned that the campaign at HMC stressed preventive measures such as maintaining a calcium-rich diet, ensuring adequate vitamin D intake, and engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises to keep bones strong. The availability of treatment options to manage osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk was also a focus.
Dr. Abdulla highlighted the seriousness of osteoporosis-related hip fractures, with over 100 cases reported at Hamad General Hospital’s Emergency Department in 2023 alone. “Hip fractures can reduce a person’s ability to live independently and possibly even shorten their life as well. They place a considerable burden on the wellbeing of the individual, their family and carers. Other osteoporotic fractures, such as vertebral and distal forearm fractures, were even more frequent than hip fractures,” he highlighted.
To address the issue, Dr. Abdulla said HMC has established specialized clinics aimed at early identification and treatment of osteoporosis-related fractures. “At the forefront of these initiatives is the Fracture Liaison Service Clinic, located at the Bone and Joint Center and Al Wakra Hospital. This clinic focuses on identifying patients who have suffered fractures due to osteoporosis, ensuring they receive timely treatment to prevent future incidents. By starting treatment early, the clinic aims to significantly reduce the risk of additional fractures, which can be both painful and life-altering,” he stated.
In addition to the Fracture Liaison Service Clinic, Dr. Abdulla said HMC also operates Rheumatology Osteoporosis Clinics. “These clinics proactively screen and treat patients at risk for osteoporosis before they experience fractures. Referrals to these clinics come mostly from orthopedic and primary care doctors. Today there is a wider variety of osteoporosis treatment options than ever before. Treatments have been shown to reduce the risk of hip fracture by up to 40%, and vertebral fractures by 30 to 70%,” he added.
