IOF-FFN agreement sets framework for greater collaborative efforts worldwide

The health burden represented by osteoporosis and fragility fractures is growing rapidly at the global level, largely due to ageing demographics.

Projections show that by 2050, the worldwide incidence of hip fracture in women and men is likely to increase by 240% and 310% respectively, compared to rates in 1990.

As globally active organizations in the musculoskeletal field, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) have complementary visions and missions dedicated to reducing the fragility fracture burden for the benefit of patients and healthcare systems worldwide.

The IOF-FFN agreement sets the framework for greater collaboration, joint opportunities, and optimization of resources in areas such as advocacy, education, healthcare professional outreach, conferences and workshops, research, as well as mutual endorsement of flagship operations.

An excellent example of past collaboration is the 2018 Global Call to Action, coordinated by FFN, which was endorsed by IOF with a total of 81 global, regional and national organisations in the fields of geriatrics/internal medicine, orthopaedics, osteoporosis/metabolic bone disease, nursing, rehabilitation and rheumatology.

Together, the organizations called for a systematic approach to fragility fracture care with the goal of restoring function and preventing subsequent fractures.

Currently patient outcomes are poor with significant mortality and morbidity. Unless action is taken, the projected increase in healthcare costs will be unsustainable for most healthcare systems. Through our respective targeted initiatives, complementary expertise, and increased collaboration, IOF and FFN will work to drive much-needed change on behalf of patients worldwide."

Cyrus Cooper, Professor and President, nternational Osteoporosis Foundation

IOF CEO Dr Philippe Halbout added: "Both IOF and FFN recognize the need for impactful advocacy at the policy level, and greater healthcare professional education and training in focus areas such as secondary fracture prevention and post-fracture care. We hope to capitalize on our respective strengths and benefit from synergies to amplify our outreach and effectiveness."

Professor Jay S. Magaziner, president of FFN, stated: "The bone field is facing impactful new challenges that require the optimisation of resources, the creation of synergies and the mutual cooperative efforts of our respective organizations.

"FFN's mission is to optimise globally the multidisciplinary management of the patient with a fragility fracture, including secondary prevention, with a strong focus on strengthening the links between orthopaedic surgery, geriatric medicine and other disciplines such as anesthesiology, nursing and physiotherapy involved in acute fracture management and long-term efforts to optimize recovery in function.

"We look forward to working collaboratively with IOF as we strive to improve the management of fragility fractures, prevent secondary fractures, and restore functional abilities and quality of life following fracture."