Strong Foundations: How Research is Changing the Future of Bone Health

This Research Appreciation Day, we’re shining a light on the life‑changing research made possible by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) and the difference it’s making to people across the UK.

Behind every statistic is a person. Behind every breakthrough is a step closer to fewer broken bones, better care, and healthier lives.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society is the UK’s largest national charity dedicated to improving bone health and beating osteoporosis. They equip people with practical information and support to take action on their bone health, while working with healthcare professionals and policy-makers to shape care at every level.

At the heart of this work is research, driving new discoveries, improving treatments, and transforming the lives of people affected by osteoporosis, a condition affecting over 3.5 million people across the UK.

A decade of impact

Over the past 12 years, ROS-funded research has produced more than 78 scientific papers, cited over 2,800 times by experts around the world. But it’s not just about numbers, it’s about turning research into real-world change.

From digital tools helping people stay on treatment, to national guidance shaping NHS care, ROS research is helping to transform how osteoporosis is understood, diagnosed and managed.

Turning insight into action

One of the most exciting developments is the creation of innovative tools at Keele University that are already improving care and helping more people stick with their prescribed medicines that help to prevent fractures, a crucial step in reducing risk. You can find more information about the study here: iFrap – Improving uptake of Fracture Prevention drug treatments

Alongside this, the charity launched their own BoneMed Online service which enables those taking medicines for osteoporosis to understand why they matter and to feel reassured about possible side effects. They also receive a tailored summary of their own medication and regular, supportive check-in's to help them stay on track throughout the year.

Meanwhile, charity supported researchers at the University of Bristol have created a new Hip Fracture Toolkit for healthcare professionals that helps to raise the standards of hip fracture care across the country, helping to ensure everyone receives the same high-quality care no matter where they live. By giving clinicians clearer guidance, the aim is to provide better outcomes for people after a hip fracture has occurred.

Research is addressing gaps in care for people at higher risk. A new clinical tool, also developed at the University of Bristol supports better bone health assessment in people with Parkinson’s disease, helping to prevent fractures before they occur.

These developments have a direct role in shaping UK clinical guidelines, meaning patients benefit from the latest evidence every day in routine NHS care.

New discoveries changing what we know about bones

Some of the most fascinating findings are helping us understand bone health in completely new ways.

Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered that bone health is influenced by our internal body clock, not just lifestyle or diet. This opens the door to a future where treatments could be timed to work in harmony with the body, making them more effective.

A study, led by the University of Edinburgh, is helping to transform care for women during pregnancy. Researchers found that simple signs like height loss and severe back pain could help identify a rare but serious condition called pregnancy-associated osteoporosis. This could mean faster diagnosis and an end to symptoms being dismissed as “just part of pregnancy.”

Not all research is about biology - a lot of it focuses on lived experience.

A powerful study at the University of Bristol exploring men’s experiences of spinal fractures, found that the impact goes far beyond the physical. Many men reported a loss of confidence, identity and independence. The research highlights the need for care that supports emotional wellbeing as well as physical recovery, something that has often been overlooked.

Sometimes, even small improvements in the system can have a huge impact.

Better reporting of spinal fractures on routine scans could prevent hundreds of hip fractures every year, saving lives as well as millions of pounds for the NHS. It’s a powerful reminder that getting the basics right can make all the difference.

Recent research has also revealed stark inequalities in bone health - hip fractures are rising, particularly in more deprived areas, with men disproportionately affected. This not only impacts lives but places increasing pressure on the NHS.

Encouragingly, the findings show that thousands of fractures could be prevented each year through earlier identification/diagnosis and better access to fracture prevention services, reinforcing ROS’s call to end the postcode lottery in care.

Together, these projects show how research is helping to build a future where osteoporosis is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and taken more seriously. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to practical changes in care, research is creating positive impact across the UK.

This Research Appreciation Day, the dedicated work of ROS-funded researchers is a powerful reminder that every breakthrough has the potential to change lives, bringing us closer to a future with fewer broken bones and better bone health for all.

For more information about ROS research projects, milestones and achievements visit the ROS website here: Research Achievements and News