Management of Bone Fragility in Primary Care in Ireland

Ir Med J. 2018 Jan 10;111(1):674.

Abstract

This study evaluated the prevention of bone fragility fractures in a representative sample of four Irish general practices. The clinical records of 243 patients potentially at risk of bone fragility were studied. One hundred and fourteen (47%) had a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Osteoporosis was established in 42 (17%) and osteopaenia in 28 (11%). One hundred and fifty-two (63%) were currently being prescribed bisphosphonates. Thirty-four (22%) of those on bisphosphonates did not have a baseline DEXA scan performed prior to commencing treatment and further analysis did not show a clear rationale for initiation of the treatment in this group of patients. Forty-six (30%) patients on bisphosphonates had been prescribed them for over 5 years without any apparent review to see if they were still indicated. There was no record of any of the practices having carried out a fracture risk score assessment prior to commencing bone fragility treatment. The implications are that bone fragility management warrants urgent review.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon / statistics & numerical data*
  • Bone Density
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • General Practice / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Ireland / epidemiology
  • Osteoporosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy
  • Osteoporosis / epidemiology
  • Osteoporotic Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoporotic Fractures / prevention & control*
  • Primary Health Care

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates