On the occasion of World Osteoporosis Day, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER’s) Department of Endocrinology develops the Country’s First Osteoporosis Registry of India (ORI) (opregistryindia.com).
A study by the Deptatrment suggests the prevalence of osteoporosis at 18% among men & 25% among women in Chandigarh. In India, estimates suggest that almost 230 million women above 50 years of age suffer from osteoporosis.
A door-to-door questionnaire-based community survey conducted by the Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER in 6 sectors in Chandigarh involving 4285 residents had revealed that 3.6% had self-reported fragility fractures.
“Similarly, another population-based survey conducted by the Department, entitled the Chandigarh Urban Bone Epidemiological Study (CUBES) had estimated that the prevalence of osteoporosis in Chandigarh was 18% and 25% in men and women, respectively,” stated Prof. Sanjay Bhadada, Head, Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER.
Bhadada said that despite the huge disease burden, the awareness of osteoporosis is low in India, with surveys indicating that only 10–15% of Indians are aware of the disease.
“Besides, only 20% of patients with osteoporosis are diagnosed and treated in India. Thus, the gap in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in India is ever increasing and needs to be bridged,” he added.
Bhadada further elaborated that in an attempt to strengthen collaboration in the field of osteoporosis in the country, we have developed the county’s first national online osteoporosis registry, the Osteoporosis Registry of India (ORI) will be managed by Dr. Rimesh Pal, Asst. Professor Dept. Of Endocrinology PGIMER.
“Physicians, endocrinologists, orthopaedicians, and gynecologists all over the country, looking after patients with osteoporosis can be a part of the ORI.”
He further threw light on the initiatives in the pipeline by the Department of Endocrinology and said, “We have planned to set up a specialized Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disorder Clinic (OPMBD Clinic), which will also be a first of its kind initiative in the country. It will be held on the first Tuesday of every month starting from November 2, 2021, at the New OPD of PGIMER. This will ensure dedicated and comprehensive care of patients with osteoporosis in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and ensuring regular follow-up.”
Every year, 20th October is celebrated as the World Osteoporosis Day in an attempt to raise awareness about this disease. Osteoporosis is a major public health problem worldwide and in India. Nearly 30% of all postmenopausal women have osteoporosis globally.
“In simple terms, osteoporosis means weak bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of low trauma fractures, notably, hip, radius, and spine fractures. Of note, hip fractures portend a poor prognosis with 5-year survival comparable to certain malignancies like breast and thyroid cancers”, shared Bhadada.