The Impact of Osteoporotic Fractures on Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Work Disability

Abstract

Osteoporosis is the one of most common chronic metabolic bone disease, which is characterized by increased bone fragility, which is highly affected by age and menopause.1 According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in three women over the age of 50 experience at least once in a lifetime a fracture as a result of osteoporosis, which on another hand is a cause for work disability.2,3 Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the economic and social impact of work disability, caused by fractures as a result of osteoporosis on patients with RA. Material and Methods: The study included 50 patients, diagnosed with RA and osteoporosis, which have had at least one fracture during their course of disease. The data were obtained in the Regional Hospital of Elbasan and the main focus was the duration of work disability. Results: The research concluded that approximately 20% of the patients required a long term disability benefit after suffering a fracture. Furthermore, the majority of the patients were reluctant to go back to work after suffering the consequences of the fracture, mainly due to pain and inability to properly move. Conclusion:  Fractures due to osteoporosis on patients with RA have an increasing impact in work disability and life quality. The majority of the patients taken into research have benefited from work disability policies, whether short or long-term.