„"Care for osteoporosis patients is inadequate"“

05.10.2009 15:00

Only one in five patients receives adequate osteoporosis-specific therapy.

The Board of Trustees for Bone Health (Kuratorium Knochengesundheit eV) demands that healthcare providers and politicians enforce a preventive law and the rights of patients in accordance with the paragraphs in the Social Code.

According to the association, more than 8 million people in Germany suffer from osteoporosis. The prevalence of this bone disease increases with age and is expected to rise further due to demographic changes. However, this serious illness is not properly recognized, and those at risk must bear the costs of early detection and prevention themselves.

Criticism also focuses on the fact that patients are only treated after a bone fracture. Even then, despite optimal surgical intervention, adequate therapy is often not provided. This results in an increased risk of further fractures. "Only one in five people with osteoporosis in Germany receives sufficient osteoporosis-specific therapy. This is a scandal," criticizes the non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of osteoporosis.