Press Releases

Promote prevention and treatment for Musculoskeletal diseases

Promotion for cost-effective prevention and treatment for Musculoskeletal diseases should be accorded priority, the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, told the 10th Anniversary Symposium of the Asian Association for Dynamic Osteosynthesis today (October 5).

Mrs Yau noted Musculoskeletal disorders had an enormous impact on both individuals and societies.

"In Hong Kong, studies showed that about half of people aged 60 or above suffer from some forms of bone problems, and bone disorders are one of the five major causes of disability and prolonged hospital stay of our older population," Mrs Yau said.

Mrs Yau pointed out that the number of hip fractures has increased by 200 per cent over the past 20 years.

"On average, 10 of our elders fracture their hips each day. About 70 per cent of these patients would remain permanently disabled while their mortality rate is about 20 per cent.

"It is important for both the healthcare professionals and the community to realise the growing burden of the musculoskeletal disorders to our society," she added.

Today's event is an annual symposium organised by the Asian Association for Dynamic Osteosynthesis to facilitate the exchange of experience and continuous education of orthopaedic surgeons and nurses.

Saturday, October 5, 2002