Revised AAOS position statement focuses on prevention of subsequent fractures

The board of directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has approved a revised position statement that notes physicians should screen, monitor and help get treatment for elderly patients and other patients at risk for osteoporosis after a bone fracture in order to prevent subsequent fractures.

“Assessment tools to predict risk for a second fragility fracture are available, and interventions to treat patients at risk of a subsequent fracture are cost effective,” David D. Teuscher, MD, chair of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) task force on fragility fractures, said in an AAOS press release. “And yet, the overwhelming majority of these patients are not effectively treated to prevent a second fragility fracture. If you do not suspect osteoporosis, you will not detect it and cannot protect against the risk of future fractures.”

The statement, “Orthopaedic Care of Patients with Fragility Fractures” was created with the American Orthopaedic Association, the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and the International Geriatric Fracture Society. According to the release, the statement also recommends data registries be developed and implemented to track important processes of care, patient demographics and fracture outcomes. It also noted educational materials should be given to orthopedic surgeons so they can better identify at-risk patients and that orthopedic surgeons should continue to work with CMS to ensure reimbursement for the evaluation, treatment and monitoring of these patients.

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