Osteoporosis Diagnosis, Management, and Referral Practice After Fragility Fractures

Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2022 Jun;20(3):163-169. doi: 10.1007/s11914-022-00730-1. Epub 2022 Apr 20.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current diagnosis, management, and referral practices of patients with osteoporosis after a fragility fracture from the orthopedic surgeon's perspective.

Recent findings: Effective treatments are available for osteoporosis that significantly decrease the risk of additional fractures. Despite recommendations for improved post-fragility fracture osteoporosis management, the rate of diagnosis and treatment is still unacceptably low. Patients sustaining a low-energy fracture should be evaluated for osteoporosis with discussion of beginning pharmacological treatment. Antiresorptive and anabolic agents are available treatment options. Fracture Liaison Services can help to coordinate the care of these patients and improve the rate of diagnosis and initiation of therapy. Dartmouth-Hitchcock is working to improve the bone health for our patients utilizing a multidisciplinary team-based approach. This process is intended to lead to increased recognition of osteoporosis within our institution and close the capture gap between hospital discharge and initiation of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy.

Keywords: DEXA; Fragility fracture; Hip fracture; Osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anabolic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis* / diagnosis
  • Osteoporosis* / drug therapy
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / prevention & control
  • Referral and Consultation

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents