To help reduce the numbers of older people getting fractures, bone and public health experts from across the province, UK and Republic of Ireland joined forces at a conference in Belfast. 

As life expectancy increases, the numbers of fractures in older people will rise presenting a major challenge for hospital and community services.

In the UK its is estimated that 300,000 patients attend hospitals with fragility fractures every year, with medical and social care costs, mostly relating to hip fractures, estimated at £2 billion.  

Organised by the Southern Health and Social Services Board (SHSSB) in partnership with the five Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts and Investing for Health, the conference was entitled: ‘Prevention and Management of Fragility Fractures’.

Speaking at the event, Dr Brid Farrell, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the SHSSB said: “The aim of the conference was to highlight best practice in the prevention and management of fragility fractures and promote good bone health for everyone and in particular for older people.

“Anyone who suffers a fragility fracture, such as a hip fracture, may experience significant pain and reduced quality of life.  After a hip fracture, an older person may find it difficult to live independently in their own home, which may result in admission to a nursing or residential home”. 

Dr Farrell added: “I would encourage everyone to look after their bones from an early age.  You can keep your bones healthy by eating a well balanced diet, including foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, combined with weight bearing exercises such as brisk walking, skipping and running and positive lifestyle choices such as not smoking will all help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.  If you develop osteoporosis it needs to be treated effectively.  As you get older it is also important to try and avoid falls.”  

Mr James Elliott, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Victoria and Musgrave Park Hospitals added: “In Northern Ireland there has been a continuous audit of hip fractures treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital since 1997.  Between 2002 and 2007 coverage extended to all of Northern Ireland and during this period there was a 20% increase in the number of hip fractures from 1608 in 2002 to 1936 in 2007.  High quality fracture care in older people improves outcomes for patients but requires close co-operation between hospitals and also between hospitals and community services.  This conference shows the need for effective partnership working between services.” 

Almost 200 delegates attended the event including; representatives

from Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts across Northern Ireland; consultant orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists; GPs; OT specialists; physiotherapists; pharmacists; environmental health officers; nurses; dietitians; trauma and orthopaedic specialists; DHSSPS representatives and consultant orthopaedic surgeons and geriatricians from across the UK and Ireland.