Orthopedic Surgeon's Awareness Can Improve Osteoporosis Treatment Following Hip Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Through retrospective Jeju-cohort study at 2005, we found low rates of detection of osteoporosis (20.1%) and medication for osteoporosis (15.5%) in those who experienced hip fracture. This study was to determine the orthopedic surgeons' awareness could increase the osteoporosis treatment rate after a hip fracture and the patient barriers to osteoporosis management. We prospectively followed 208 patients older than 50 yr who were enrolled for hip fractures during 2007 in Jeju-cohort. Thirty four fractures in men and 174 in women were treated at the eight hospitals. During the study period, orthopedic surgeons who worked at these hospitals attended two education sessions and were provided with posters and brochures. Patients were interviewed 6 months after discharge using an evaluation questionnaire regarding their perceptions of barriers to osteoporosis treatment. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Ninety-four patients (45.2%) underwent detection of osteoporosis by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and 67 (32.2%) were prescribed medication for osteoporosis at the time of discharge. According to the questionnaire, the most common barrier to treatment for osteoporosis after a hip fracture was patients reluctance. The detection and medication rate for osteoporosis after hip fracture increased twofold after orthopedic surgeons had attended the intervention program. Nevertheless, the osteoporosis treatment rate remains inadequate.

Knowledge on Osteoporosis among Nurses

“…[131415] Knowledge and awareness of the health care provider could improve the level of awareness in patients with osteoporosis. [15]…”

Poor Prognosis in Elderly Patients Who Refused Surgery Because of Economic Burden and Medical Problem After Hip Fracture

“…Hip fractures are a disabling event and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly people (1-4). The majority of patients following hip fracture are treated operatively to obtain pain relief, hasten mobility, and minimize complications.…”

Analysis of Clinical Features of Hip Fracture Patients with or without Prior Osteoporotic Spinal Compression Fractures

“…Many studies have reported low rates of osteoporosis treatment after hip fracture. [18,19] This result suggests that the orthopedic surgeon can perform a leading role in the prevention of further fractures. We agree that the orthopedic surgeons can serve a pivotal role in optimizing treatment, not only of the fracture, but also of the underlying disease.…”