Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting focuses on new strategies in the battle against osteoporosis

Experts outline latest strategies to tackle the increase in osteoporotic fractures; focus on fracture liaison services to identify high-risk patients

Today, one of the largest clinical bone events in the Asia-Pacific region opened at the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre, drawing close to 850 international delegates from over 60 countries. The IOF Regionals 4th Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting, which continues through to December 15, is organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) in cooperation with the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Foundation and the Osteoporosis Society of Hong Kong.

The Meeting focuses on the latest prevention and management strategies in the battle against osteoporosis, one of the most common and serious chronic diseases affecting older adults in Asia. It is estimated that one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis. Fractures caused by osteoporosis, particularly those of the hip and spine, are a major cause of disability in senior citizens, often resulting in long-term disability, loss of independence, and sometimes premature death.

Judy Stenmark, CEO, IOF stated, "We're pleased to host this important annual Meeting in Hong Kong. Delegates from many different specializations will have a unique opportunity to interact with renowned bone experts and exchange information with their peers. They will hear about the latest disease-management options and other clinical advances which will be of benefit to their patients."

A new Audit report launched earlier today by the IOF reveals that in Hong Kong alone there will be an approximate 70% increase in the number of hip fractures from 2009 to 2015. To stem this tide of fractures, health professionals and health authorities must implement new prevention strategies and engage in more research.

"More than 230 research abstracts will be published in conjunction with the IOF Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting, and many of these present important new findings from Asian countries. This underlines the significance of IOF's annual meeting as a fertile venue for collaboration and research innovation," said Professor Cyrus Cooper, Co-Chair of the Meeting and Chair, IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors.

The scientific abstracts from the Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting have been published in a supplement issue of Osteoporosis International.