Description
This presentation, delivered by David Marsh, addresses the growing concern of fragility fractures in an aging population, emphasizing the anticipated rise in hip fractures both in the UK and globally. Marsh outlines a significant epidemiological emergency, predicting a doubling of hip fractures in Western countries and a staggering six-fold increase in emerging economies by the century's end.
The discussion revolves around a global call to action presented in 2018, focusing on four essential pillars that comprise a potential solution to this health crisis. Firstly, a multidisciplinary acute care model is proposed, highlighting the need for healthcare systems to integrate both orthopedic and geriatric care in treating older patients. Secondly, rehabilitation is emphasized, stressing the importance of restoring functionality for patients post-fracture. The third pillar addresses secondary prevention, advocating for proactive measures to prevent subsequent fractures, which can be most effectively achieved through automatic fracture liaison services. Lastly, the need for national alliances to implement these clinical strategies is stressed, pinpointing the political aspect of healthcare policy and the advocacy for better implementation and education in various countries.
The presentation further details plans for the upcoming Global Congress, which aims to bring together experts from various fields to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across the globe. Marsh concludes by reinforcing the necessity of establishing National Fragility Fracture Networks (FFNs) internationally to drive meaningful changes in the management of fragility fractures.