Osteoporosis Program at GHS

In the United States it is estimated that there are 10 million people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a treatable condition. The benefits of treatment are the prevention of bone fracture and the maintenance/improvement of bone density. Each day at the Greenville Hospital System, there are 3-5 patients in the hospital and 6-9 in the orthopaedic offices that have osteoporosis related issues. Our goal is to reach 90-95% of these patients with education and treatment options.

Since April 2010, the Department of Orthopaedics and Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas at Greenville Hospital System have seen over 1,000 patients with osteoporosis-related injuries. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thin and weak, often resulting in fractures. Fractures can cause debilitating pain, reduced mobility, and a loss of quality of life. If a patient receives treatment for a fracture following a mild fall, their risk factors along with x-rays and possibly a bone density test are used to diagnose. They are contacted by our Nurse Practitioner to discuss diet, fall prevention and exercise.