Patients with hip fracture may not know they have osteoporosis

Although hip fractures often signify the presence of osteoporosis, most older adults who experience hip fracture are not told they have osteoporosis, according to results.

Researchers conducted a telephone survey and a retrospective chart review of 42 hip fracture patients (86% women) aged 65 years and older. Researchers assessed diagnosis and management information, recent falls and family history through a 1-year follow-up telephone survey.

Results showed 71% of patients reported they were not told they had osteoporosis, while 57% of patients reported their hospital physicians did not suggest osteoporosis medication and 36% did not receive a prescription for osteoporosis medications. Researchers found 38% of patients sustained a fall following hospitalization. Of these patients, 44% had an additional fracture.

Mia Barnett

Overall, 95% of patients reported seeing their doctor within the last 6 months and 52% reported having a DEXA scan, according to results. Prescription compliance was reported by 85% of the 64% of patients who reported being prescribed treatment, researchers noted. Investigators found 50% of patients were not sure whether they would now accept osteoporosis medication, while 25% noted they would agree to medication and 25% would reject medication. When asked about osteoporosis education, results showed 36% of patients believed the best time would be during a follow-up with their primary care doctor; 26% thought the best time would be prior to hospital discharge; and 19% reported the best time would be during rehabilitation.

“[The] ultimate objective for clinicians, whether they be orthopedists, endocrinologists, primary care or geriatricians, is to ensure that their patients do receive and fully understand the information regarding benefits of osteoporosis treatment with the hopes of preventing future fractures,” Mia Barnett, MD, geriatric fellow at Northwell Health, told Healio.com/Orthopedics.

Barnett noted implementation of specialized co-management teams and updated standardized electronic medical records may help educate and manage patients and their bone health. – by Casey Tingle

Reference:

Barnett M, et al. Paper #B145. Presented at: American Geriatrics Society Annual Scientific Meeting; May 19-21, 2016; Long Beach, Calif.

Disclosure: Barnett reports no relevant financial disclosures.