MUMBAI, Oct. 28 -- Late detection of osteoporosis, which affects one in three women and one in five men over 50 in India, has prompted a multidisciplinary team of doctors-including gynaecologists, orthopaedics, endocrinologists, nephrologists, rheumatologists, and trauma specialists-to draft uniform guidelines filling diagnostic and treatment gaps. The initiative is spearheaded by the Osteoporosis Society of India (OSI). Often termed a silent disease because it typically shows no symptoms until a low-velocity fracture occurs, osteoporosis develops progressively through lost bone strength and density. Symptoms frequently remain undiagnosed until serious harm occurs, making early detection crucial for preventive measures. "Since osteoporosis stems from gynaecological, endocrinological, orthopaedic, and other factors, doctors often follow treatment protocols specific to their own specialisation," said Dr Sushrut Babhulkar, president of OSI. "To address this gap, we are coordinating with multidisciplinary specialists related to osteoporosis to establish a uniform treatment framework." Medical professionals stress that tailored guidelines are critical because Indians and Asians exhibit symptoms distinct from western populations. Unlike Americans and Europeans, who present higher rates of isolated osteoporosis from low bone density and brittleness, Asians and Indians display varied manifestations: alongside isolated osteoporosis, they frequently suffer from osteomalacia driven by Vitamin D deficiency or sarcopenia linked to muscle weakness. The WHO identifies osteoporotic fractures as the second largest global health concern after cardiovascular diseases, noting that roughly 20% of patients die within a year of sustaining a major osteoporotic or hip fracture. A 2021 study in the International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics examining 31,238 subjects found 22.9% of Indian adults affected. One in three women and one in five men over 50 were at risk. To help individuals self-evaluate bone density, OSI launched a bone health scorecard. Evaluating eight prognostic parameters-including gender, age, body mass index, comorbidities, and steroid use-the score categorises risk as 'no risk', 'low risk', or 'severe risk' so patients can seek prompt medical care. OSI aims to distribute this diagnostic card to 10,000 doctors across 500 Indian districts while enabling over-the-counter access via pharmacies. Contrary to conventional wisdom, recent research reveals that sunlight exposure between 11 am and 1 pm is essential for replenishing Vitamin D. "Early morning sunlight offers little or no benefit," explained Dr Babhulkar....