SHOCKING new figures for osteoporosis were revealed earlier this year following the largest ever study of the fragile bone disease conducted in Europe.

Results published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research showed that every year around 80,000 women and 40,000 men aged over 50 will suffer a new spine fracture. This brings the yearly osteoporosis fracture total in the United Kingdom to well over 300,000 including fractures in the hip and wrist.

The study, which was co-ordinated by the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study, also found that by the age of 80 a total of 40 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men will have had an osteoporotic fracture in the spine alone.

Director of the National Osteoporosis Society, Linda Edwards, said: "This new research confirms what we have believed to be the case for some time - that this dreadful disease is under recognised.

"This new research clearly shows that previous estimates of the extent of fractures in the UK have been too low.

"We are very pleased to see that modern research methods have at last shown how widespread a condition osteoporosis is.

"It is largely preventable and treatable and it is still not being adequately treated although it would be cost effective to do so.

"The National Osteoporosis Society hopes that this new research will help the Government see how vital it is to fund osteoporosis services in order to reduce this terrible toll of fractures."

Osteoporosis costs the National Health Service and Government about £1.7-billion each year - a staggering £5-million each day.

Please help the Yeovil Express' FAST Appeal to raise £20,000 to help fund a new bone densitometer for Yeovil District Hospital in its battle against osteoporosis. Your help will be really appreciated and could make a real difference.