PGH introduces osteoporosis management models

MANILA--The Department of Orthopedics of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) along with the UP-PGH Alumni Association on Friday led the launching of its Orthogeriatric Multidisciplinary Fracture Management Model and Fracture Liaison Service for management of fractures among the Filipino elderly.

The launch was part of UP-PGH's osteoporosis awareness campaign in celebration of the World Osteoporosis Day (Oct. 20) to bring light to the pressing issues about osteoporosis including the global burden, nutritional facts, diagnosis, fracture and fall risk prevention, and the role of the family in the management of the disease.

A symposiumabout Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention, and a fitness activity called Sayaw at Ehersisyo were also simultaneously done in the launching and offered free to the public.

At the same time UP-PGH alumni orthopedic doctors at the Chong Hua Hospital Cebu, Davao Doctors Hospital, and General Santos Medical Center also held similar activities.   

PGH DIrector Dr. Gerardo Legaspi said millions are at risk for osteoporosis yet many Filipinos are unaware that the quality of their bones are gradually worsening over time until they suffer from osteoporosis-related fractures.

Legaspi added that at present, it is not uncommon for many elderly and post-menopausal individuals who have sustained fragility fractures to not receive appropriate diagnosis or treatment for osteoporosis, leading to disease progression and exposure to more fractures and serious health risks.

“This disease that weakens bone density and bone tissue is a major cause of debilitating and sometimes fatal fractures in the elderly,” he said. (PNA)