Unmet need in osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE

To audit the management of females presenting to Accident and Emergency department with a diagnosis of low impact Colles fracture.

DESIGN

Telephone questionnaire of 50 patients who attended A & E in 1998 with diagnosis of Colles fracture

SETTING

Glasgow Royal Infirmary within North Glasgow catchment area.

SUBJECTS: Women between 45-79 years of age who attended Accident and Emergency Department in 1998 with a diagnosis of low impact Colles fracture.

RESULTS

Mean age was 63 years (range 44-78): ninety percent were post menopausal and 40% of the total group were smokers. Twenty six percent had a positive family history of osteoporosis, 24% had undergone hysterectomy and 88% took no part in any load bearing exercise. Ten percent (n = 5) were on treatment (1 alendronate, 3 etidronate with calcium, 1 hormone replacement therapy)

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of our study population have multiple risk factors for osteoporosis which are not being addressed. Raising awareness in orthopaedic surgeons, family doctors and patients is urgently required.