Intradepartmental orthopaedic fragility fracture liaison improves osteoporosis follow-up and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

Over 2 million people in the United States sustain fractures related to osteoporosis annually, but only 20% of these patients receive treatment for their osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a fragility fracture liaison within the orthopedic department on treatment and follow up for osteoporosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study

SETTING

University Level I Trauma center

PARTICIPANTS

112 patients treated under the aegis of an interdepartmental fracture liaison and 208 patients treated following the introduction of an orthopedic fragility fracture liaison at a single institution.

INTERVENTION: Transition from referral to interdepartmental fracture liaison to intradepartmental orthopedic fragility fracture liaison for fragility fractures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes evaluated included demographics, fracture type, DEXA scan results, follow up and treatment plan, and subsequent fracture.

RESULTS

The mean age at time of fracture was 75 years, and the mean BMI was 27. The most common fracture types were femoral neck fractures (29%), pertrochanteric fractures (30%) and femur fractures (8%). There was a statistically significant increase in adherence to follow up and treatment after the introduction of an orthopaedic fragility fracture liaison.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of an intradepartmental fragility fracture liaison significantly increases osteoporosis follow-up and introduces the ability to combine both osteoporosis treatment and postoperative orthopaedic care. The results of this study highlight the utility of incorporating a fragility fracture liaison within the orthopaedic department given the economic burden of fragility fractures and the morbidity associated with these fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III cohort study.