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Study: Osteoporosis guidelines infrequently followed after distal radial fracture
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Guidelines regarding calcium, vitamin prescriptions and imaging protocols set forth by the National Osteoporosis Foundation following a distal radial fracture were adhered to infrequently, according to recently published data.
Study authors retrospectively reviewed 210 patients 50 years and older who underwent treatment for a fragility fracture of the distal radius between 2004 and 2010. Frequency of calcium/vitamin D supplement prescription for treatment of both the fracture and osteoporosis, as well as prevalence of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans for osteoporosis evaluation, were the focal points of the review.
The researchers found less than 25% of at-risk patients were prescribed vitamin/calcium supplements and underwent a DEXA scan, procedures recommended by National Osteoporosis Guidelines.
Calcium/vitamin prescriptions were seven times more common in women than men. Women were also 14 times more likely than men to receive DEXA scans and 25 times more likely to receive bisphosphonate prescriptions. Patients receiving DEXA scans were nine times more likely to be issued a prescription to treat osteoporosis than those who did not, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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