The hips play a fundamental role not only in mobility but in supporting one’s organs and spine. Therefore, maintaining hip health is critical. But with an ageing global population, it can be challenging.

Research indicates that the prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) is expected to increase exponentially over the next half a century. Osteoporosis is a disease that develops when bone mineral density and mass decreases, or when the quality or structure of the bone changes. That then increases the risk of one sustaining hip fractures. A doctoral study by Dr Sapna Shivani Dela on osteoprotic hip fractures in older persons has found they place strain on South Africa’s health system.

Guest: Dr Sapna Shivani Dela – Specialist physician working in public practice, Harry Gwala Regional Hospital in Pietermaritzburg