Are we closing the gaps in the management of osteoporosis following fragility fractures of the femur?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify deficiencies in initiating anti-osteoporotic treatment following a fragility femoral fracture.

METHODS

All patients ≥55 years of age treated for a fragility femoral fracture between June 2012 and May 2017 were enrolled. Medications at discharge and at 90 days and 1 year of follow up were analyzed. Patients were classified into 4 groups: Group I did not receive any treatment for osteoporosis; Group II received only calcium and vitamin D3; Group III received an anabolic agent, calcium, and vitamin D3; and Group IV received bisphosphonates, calcium, and vitamin D3.

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients with an average age of 65.81±12.55 years were included. There were 88 (52.7%) males and 79 (47.3%) females. At discharge, 107 patients (64.1%) were not prescribed optimal treatment for osteoporosis, and this reduced to 55 (32.9%) at the 90-day follow up. At 1 year, the number of patients receiving suboptimal treatment was further reduced to 25.74%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the number of patients with fragility fractures receiving insufficient treatment was lower in the present study than in previous reports, increased efforts and coordinated treatment plans initiated by a fracture liaison service should be of high priority.