In the U.S., approximately 2 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur each year, with more than 400,000 requiring hospitalization—that’s more than heart attack, stroke or breast cancer. Despite this, osteoporosis remains dangerously underdiagnosed and undertreated, often dismissed as just a natural part of aging.
This May, during Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is proud to support the Osteoporosis Action Network (OAN), compromised of medical societies, patient advocacy organizations and health system leaders, as they launch a national initiative to change this narrative. “Stand Bone Strong” is a new osteoporosis awareness identifier symbolizing a call to action to encourage early detection and elevating bone strength as a lifelong priority.
Just as the pink ribbon signifies the fight against breast cancer, Stand Bone Strong is designed to spark national conversations about diagnosis, fracture prevention, and post-fracture care. AAOS is committed to helping amplify that message.
I’d be happy to put you in touch with an AAOS orthopaedic surgeon who can speak directly to clinical urgency behind Stand Bone Strong and what it means for patients, including:
- Why osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and frequently missed
- How fractures can be the first sign of the disease
- Who is most at risk and when bone health conversations should start
- Practical steps patients can take to protect their bones and prevent injury
- What to do after a fall or fragility fracture
Additionally, patient-friendly resources on osteoporosis symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, including when to see an orthopaedic surgeon, are available on OrthoInfo.org, AAOS’ trusted patient education website.
