Delays in the implementation of NHS osteoporosis screenings are putting hundreds of thousands of post-menopausal women at risk of severe bone fractures, experts caution. The Royal Osteoporosis Society highlights a failure by the government to fulfill its commitment to expanding screenings for the bone-thinning condition, resulting in stagnant diagnosis rates and an estimated 200,000 undiagnosed cases annually. Osteoporosis affects half of women over 50 and one in five men, ranking as the UK’s fourth leading cause of disability and premature death.
According to the society, the absence of a widespread Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) in all NHS trusts is contributing to preventable deaths, with only half of the trusts currently having such services. An FLS would identify patients likely to have osteoporosis during hospital admissions, providing them with bone-strengthening medications and physiotherapy sessions.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting pledged to prioritize the establishment of FLS nationwide if Labour were to take office in 2024. Recent data from the national Fracture Liaison Service audit indicates a modest increase in patient identifications by FLS in England from 2024 to 2025, but falls short of the recommended annual target. The Royal Osteoporosis Society emphasizes the urgency for the government to fulfill its promise and expand these critical services promptly.
During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels, crucial for maintaining bone density, leads to decreased bone strength and density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. It is estimated that around 3.5 million individuals in the UK have this condition, which progresses gradually and often remains undiagnosed until a bone fracture occurs, commonly in the hip, wrist, or spine.
Craig Jones, CEO of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, expresses concern over the sluggish pace of osteoporosis diagnosis improvements, urging transparency and urgent action from government officials. The need for a comprehensive rollout plan for Fracture Liaison Services across England is emphasized to align with the life-saving care already available in Wales.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care reassures the commitment to implementing fracture liaison services by 2030 as part of the 10-Year Health Plan and Women’s Health Strategy. In the interim, investments in advanced DEXA scanners aim to enhance early diagnosis of fragile bones, mitigating the risk of debilitating fractures, particularly among older individuals and women disproportionately affected by osteoporosis.