They are a surprisingly deadly health harm that can kill half of those who suffer within five years, according to studies.
Bone fractures, particularly those of the hip, are said to be deadlier than cancer in the over 65s.
The common problem has long been linked to increased mortality due to its impact on independence and movement in old age.
Now, a simple five-minute quiz could rapidly reduce the chances of suffering a life-threatening fracture by spotting those at risk.
Experts say fractures can be prevented by warding off the development of bone-thinning disease osteoporosis using strengthening exercises and diet changes, as well increasing levels of vitamin D.
It comes as more than 14,000 women who are at risk of fractures following a decrease in bone density during the menopause can now benefit from a new osteoporosis drug
The tool, developed by the Global Osteoporosis Foundation, asks questions about medical history, previous bone problems and exercise habits, and uses this to compute the likelihood of developing the condition.
A low score indicates low bone density and therefore high risk of osteoporosis, while a higher score suggests bones are healthy.
Those with a low score are advised to seek further tests from their GP, who may advise lifestyle changes or prescribe medication such as romosozumab, teriparatide and alendronic acid to slash the risks of fracture.
It comes soon after health watchdog National for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved a new drug called abaloparatide for 14,000 women at risk of fractures.
Dr Taher Mahmud, a consultant rheumatologist at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, says the drug ‘can play an important role in quickly reducing fracture risk’, but warns it should be secondary to important lifestyle changes.
More than 2million women have osteoporosis in England and Wales according to NICE. The condition which develops slowly over several years, causes weak bones, making them more likely to break, the NHS says
More than 2million women have the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis in England and Wales according to NICE.
Women are four times as likely to develop osteoporosis as men, according to the Global Osteoporosis Foundation.
Less bone mass, longer life spans and changes in hormones during pregnancy and menopause are part of the reason for this.
The condition, which develops slowly over several years, causes weak bones, making them more likely to break, the NHS says.
For many a broken bone is the first sign of the disease, but it is sometimes spotted in older people with particular posture or pain during everyday activities.
The 14-question quiz asks you for your age, sex, height and weight and whether your height has decreased in recent years
Women are four times as likely to develop osteoporosis as men, the makers of the quiz warn. Less bone mass, longer life spans and life events such as pregnancy and menopause are part of the reason for this
It also quizzes you on your medical history asking if they have had any fractures, if they take steroids and if they have a long term health condition such as breast cancer or rheumatoid arthritis
One question in the quiz asks if you have ever broken a bone, that’s because prior fractures can increase the risk of future ones
The 14-question quiz asks you for your age, sex, height and weight and whether your height has decreased in recent years.
It also quizzes you on medical history asking of fractures, steroid prescriptions and long term health conditions such as breast cancer or rheumatoid arthritis.
The survey asks if you drink, smoke, if you are pregnant or menopausal and how much vitamin D you take.
The so-called ‘sunshine vitamin’ is essential for helping the bones absorb calcium — which makes them hard and strong.
Finally, it asks what type of exercise you do each week.
In addition to the menopause, taking steroids for longer than three months or medication for anti-inflammatory conditions can also increase your risk
Not taking any vitamin D supplements is also flagged as a risk factor. That’s because the vitamin is vital for calcium absorption
Finally, it asks what type of exercise you do each week, with a choice between walking, swimming, running, HIIT, weight training and cycling
The drug, called abaloparatide, is vital to help bone density during the menopause because, oestrogen, the hormone that is important for maintaining bone density and strength, decreases and bone density reduces
Then it calculates a score from one to 10 to determine the risk of osteoporosis and highlights factors that may be increasing your risk.
Those that score between nine and 10 are simply told to maintain their bone health, while people with a score between six and eight are advised to discus their result with their GP.
But people given a score below five are recommended to seek a further assessment.
In addition to the menopause — when bone-boosting estrogen drops — taking steroids for longer than three months or medication for anti-inflammatory conditions can also increase your risk.
Other factors include having an eating disorder, being at a low BMI, not exercising regularly and heavy drinking and smoking.
Age is also a factor as up until you are 40, bone cells that are absorbed by the body are replaced. But after this age less bone is replaced, meaning you will need to keep active and have a healthy diet to mitigate some of this bone loss.
Although Dr Mahmud believes the new osteoporosis drug abaloparatide ‘marks a significant development in bone health management’, he warns medication should be secondary to important lifestyle changes.
He added: ‘While drugs like abaloparatide can increase bone density, they don’t address underlying issues such as poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, or hormonal imbalances.’
‘So while we welcome new treatment options like abaloparatide, our core message remains unchanged: the best approach to osteoporosis combines lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, targeted exercise, and judicious use of medications when necessary.
‘Our policy is to encourage all women to assess their bone health and take proactive steps to maintain strong bones throughout life,’ he said.
‘Many people are only diagnosed with osteoporosis after they have suffered from a fracture and we believe it should be identified earlier and, even more importantly, prevented in the first place through patient education.’
