Tens of thousands of fractures could be prevented over five years if patients are given equal access to early diagnosis clinics for a common bone condition, experts estimate.

New analysis from the Royal Osteoporosis Society shows that ending the "postcode lottery of care" for osteoporosis sufferers would prevent 48,568 fractures, including more than 15,062 hip fractures, in five years.

Lowering fracture numbers would relieve pressure on NHS hospitals by freeing up 338,579 acute bed days, the organisation said.

Guaranteeing access to these specialised clinics, known as Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), would also alleviate strain on social care.

The society calculated that universal access to FLS could save health and social care providers more than £600 million by 2031.

It warned that patients currently face widespread geographic disparities when seeking access to these services.

Estimates suggest that three million people in England have osteoporosis – a condition which leads to weakened bones, making…