Fracture liaison service and mortality in elderly hip fracture patients: a prospective cohort study

Effectiveness of fracture liaison service in reducing the risk of secondary fragility fractures in adults aged 50 and older: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine and appraise the certainty of fracture liaison service (FLS) in reducing the risk of secondary fragility fractures in older adults aged ≥ 50 years and to examine the nature of the FLS and the roles of various disciplines involved in the delivery of the FLS. Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and The Cochrane Library were searched from January 1st, 2010, to May 31st, 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted data. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies and the PEDro scale for randomized trials, while the GRADE approach established the certainty of the evidence. Thirty-seven studies were identified of which 34 (91.9%) were rated as having a low risk of bias and 22 (59.5%) were meta-analyzed. Clinically important low certainty evidence at 1 year (RR 0.26, CI 0.13 to 0.52, 6 pooled studies) and moderate certainty evidence at ≥ 2 years (RR 0.68, CI 0.55 to 0.83, 13 pooled studies) indicate that the risk of secondary fragility fracture was lower in the FLS intervention compared to the non-FLS intervention. Sensitivity analyses with no observed heterogeneity confirmed these findings. This review found clinically important moderate certainty evidence showing that the risk of secondary fragility fracture was lower in the FLS intervention at ≥ 2 years. More high-quality studies in this field could improve the certainty of the evidence. Review registration: PROSPERO-CRD42021266408.

Secondary osteoporosis prevention: three-year outcomes from a Fracture Liaison Service in elderly hip fracture patients

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures are the most serious fragility fractures due to their associated disability, higher hospitalization costs and high mortality rates. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures and have shown their clinical effectiveness.

AIMS

To analyze the effect of the implementation of a FLS model of care over the survival and mortality rates following a hip fracture.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (between January 2016 and December 2019). Patients were followed for three years after the index date. Mortality, complications and refracture rates were compared between the two groups using a Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

A total of 1366 patients were included in this study (353 before FLS implementation and 1013 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (79.3% vs 12.5%; p < 0.01) and there was an increase in adherence to treatment (51.7% vs 30.2%; p < 0.01). A total of 413 (40.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 141 (39.9%) individuals before (p = 0.47) died during the three-years follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 101 (10.0%) patients after FLS implementation and 37 (10.5%) individuals before (p = 0.78). Patients after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all cause one-year mortality [adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.74 (0.57-0.94)] and a decreased risk of suffering a second osteoporotic fracture [adjusted HR 0.54 (0.39-0.75) in males and adjusted HR 0.46 (0.30-0.71) in females].

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with a lower all-cause one-year mortality rate and a higher survivorship in elderly hip fracture patients. However, no three-year mortality rate differences were observed between the two groups. We also found a reduction in the complication and second-fracture rates.

Mortality and re-fracture rates in low trauma hip fracture

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the incidence rate of re-fracture and all-cause mortality rate in patients with hip fractures caused by minor trauma in the first year following the event.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients over 50 years of age conducted in a referral hospital located in Tehran (Shafa-Yahyaian). Using the hospital information system (HIS), all patients hospitalized due to hip fractures caused by minor trauma during 2013-2019 were included in the study. We investigated the occurrence of death and re-fracture in all patients one year after the primary hip fracture.

RESULTS

A total of 945 patients with hip fractures during a 307,595 person-days of follow-up, were included. The mean age of the participants was 71 years (SD = 11.19), and 533 (59%) of them were women. One hundred forty-nine deaths were identified during the first year after hip fracture, resulting in a one-year mortality rate of 17.69% (95% CI: 15.06-20.77). The one-year mortality rate was 20.06% in men and 15.88% in women. Out of all the participants, 667 answered the phone call, of which 29 cases had experienced a re-fracture in the first year (incidence rate = 5.03%, 95% CI: 3.50-7.24). The incidence rates in women and men were 6.07% and 3.65%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with low-trauma hip fractures have shown a high rate of mortality in the first year. Considering the increase in the incidence of hip fractures with age, comprehensive strategies are needed to prevent fractures caused by minor trauma in the elderly population.

Duration of osteoporosis treatment to reduce the risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture and all-cause mortality in elderly hip fracture patients in a Korean real-world study

This study aimed to evaluate the association between treatment duration of osteoporosis medications and clinical outcomes of patients with hip fracture. We found that the risk of subsequent osteoporotic fractures and all-cause mortality showed a decreasing trend as the treatment duration of osteoporosis medications increased.

PURPOSE

To assess the risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture (SOF) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in elderly patients with hip fracture in South Korea and to evaluate the potential reduction in the risk of SOF and ACM with varying durations of osteoporosis treatment.

METHODS

Newly diagnosed patients with hip fracture (age ≥ 60 years) who initiated osteoporosis medication within 3 months after the hip fracture from 2003-2014 were identified from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort. The risk of SOF and ACM was estimated after the 1-year exposure-measurement period. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were calculated for treatment duration of osteoporosis medications categorized as short-term treatment (ST, < 3 months), early discontinuation (ED, ≥ 3- < 6 months), late discontinuation (LD, ≥ 6- < 12 months), and treatment continuation (TC, ≥ 12 months).

RESULTS

A total of 4,421 patients were included in the analysis. The 3-year cumulative incidence of SOF was 22.4%, 22.0%, 23.9%, and 21.6%, and that of 3-year ACM was 29.8%, 27.0%, 19.7%, and 18.9% in the ST, ED, LD, and TC groups, respectively. Compared with the ST group, the risk of SOF showed a decreasing trend in the TC group (aHR [95% CI], 0.77 [0.58-1.00]). The risk of ACM was significantly reduced in the LD (aHR 0.68 [0.57-0.82]) and TC (aHR 0.65 [0.50-0.84]) groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the importance of early and continuous osteoporosis treatment for elderly patients with hip fracture to improve health outcomes. The benefits of long-term osteoporosis treatment should be discussed in clinical practice to improve overall health outcomes.

The role of the fracture liaison service in the prevention of atypical femoral fractures

Osteoporosis and fragility fractures (FFs) are considered critical health problems by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The occurrence of a FF raises the risk of a subsequent fracture (refracture). The hip is the most common site of fragility refracture, and its onset is associated with a further increase in patient's morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Therefore, the prevention of refracture is essential. In this context, fracture liaison service (FLS) demonstrated to be able to reduce FF risk and also improve patients' adherence to anti-osteoporotic treatments, particularly for bisphosphonates (BPs). However, long-term and high adherence to BPs may lead to atypical femoral fractures (AFFs). These latter are tensile side stress fractures of the femur, with high rates of complications, including delayed and non-healing. An effective FLS should be able to prevent both FF and AFF. A comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, through the involvement and education of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals (i.e. orthopedic, geriatrician, primary care physician, rehabilitation team, and bone nurse) for evaluating both FF and AFF risks might be useful to improve the standard of care.

Addressing osteoporosis treatment after hemiarthroplasty for a femoral neck fracture: impact on survival rates after a subsequent periprosthetic femoral fracture - a multicenter (TRON group) retrospective study

This study investigated the impact of osteoporosis treatment on the prognosis of patients with periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) following femoral neck fracture (FNF). Our results suggested an association between osteoporosis treatment and potentially improved survival prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for PPF. These results imply that osteoporosis treatment may have a beneficial effect on patient outcomes.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of osteoporosis treatment on the prognosis of periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) patients after femoral neck fracture.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study named as TRON was conducted. The study population included 156 PPF patients who had undergone hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients were divided based on whether they had received osteoporosis treatment before PPF injury. A log-rank test was used to compare survival rates. We conducted a Cox proportional hazards analysis to identify factors associated with the survival rate after PFF injury.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of the 156 patients had received osteoporosis treatment prior to PPF injury. The 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates after PPF were 80.9% and 75.3%, respectively. The log-rank test revealed that the 1-year survival rate with and without osteoporosis treatment was 89.5% and 78.1%, respectively (P=0.012). In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, age, BMI, presence or absence of surgery, and presence or absence of osteoporosis treatment showed independent associations with the survival rate after PFF injury. The hazard ratio for the presence of osteoporosis treatment was 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.07-0.75, P=0.015).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest an association between osteoporosis treatment and potentially improved survival prognosis in patients who underwent surgery for PPF. These results imply that osteoporosis treatment may have a beneficial effect on patient outcomes. It is important to consider that osteoporosis treatment could be significant not only in preventing secondary fractures but also in potentially improving prognosis in the rare event of PPF.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacologic treatment of patients newly diagnosed with osteoporosis

PURPOSE

This study determined whether initiation of pharmacologic treatment was delayed for newly diagnosed osteoporosis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

1,189 patients ≥50 years with newly diagnosed osteoporosis using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening at a single academic institution were included. Patients with previous osteoporosis were excluded. Patients diagnosed between March 1, 2018-January 31, 2020 (pre-pandemic cohort, n = 576) were compared to those diagnosed between March 1, 2020-January 31, 2022 (pandemic cohort, n = 613). Age, sex, race, ethnicity, ordering providers (primary vs specialty), and pharmacological agents were evaluated. Primary outcomes included proportion of patients prescribed therapy within 3 and 6-months of diagnosis, and mean time from diagnosis to treatment initiation.

RESULTS

The pre-pandemic cohort had more White patients (74.3 vs 68.4%, p = .02) and no differences between remaining demographic variables. Only 40.5% of newly diagnosed patients initiated pharmacologic therapy within 6 months. Patients treated at 3-months (31.8 vs 35.4%, p = 0.19) and 6-months (37.8 vs 42.9, p = 0.08) were comparable between cohorts (47.2 vs 50.2% p = 0.30). Mean time from diagnosis to treatment initiation was similar (46 vs 45 days, p = 0.72). There were no treatment differences based on gender, race, or ethnicity or between ordering providers (65.1 vs 57.4% primary care, p = 0.08). Bisphosphonates were most often prescribed in both cohorts (89% vs 82.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study assessing COVID-19's impact on pharmacologic treatment of newly diagnosed osteoporosis. 40.5% of newly diagnosed patients were treated pharmacologically within six months of diagnosis, and the pandemic did not significantly affect treatment rates.

Osteoporosis care after hip fracture: Observation from national health insurance database and fracture liaison services

BACKGROUND

The objective of this research was to report the trend of osteoporosis care after hip fractures from usual care (UC) and to compare the quality of care with those who received fracture liaison services (FLSs).

METHODS

Data on osteoporosis care for patients with hip fracture were acquired from the National Health Insurance claims (UC group), and surveys from FLS programs (FLS group). A total of 183,300 patients receiving UC and 3010 patients receiving FLS were studied. For the two groups, common osteoporosis care indicators, such as bone mineral density (BMD) testing rate, antiosteoporosis medication commencement rate, and adherence rate were described.

RESULTS

There were 2488 participants (82.7%) in the FLS group who completed Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 8 weeks, 155 (5.1%) who finished it between 8 weeks and 1 year. Even in 2018, when the DXA completion rate was at its highest, the completion rate in the UC group was only 23.5%. In terms of medication commencement, 2372 FLS patients (78.8%) received treatment within 3 months. Only 24.9% of the UC patients received antiosteoporosis medication within 3 months. Furthermore, antiosteoporosis medication adherence rate was 92.2% after 1 year and 83.9% after 2 years in the FLS group, but these were only 66.5% and 42.7%, respectively, in the UC group.

CONCLUSION

Patients who received FLS had more timely BMD exams, antiosteoporosis medication treatment, and higher adherence to antiosteoporosis therapy than those who received UC. The discrepancy in rates of continuing treatment became more significant over time between both groups.

Clinical-epidemiological profile of the patient attended in a fracture liaison service (FLS) of a regional hospital in north-west of Spain

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures constitute a capital public health issue associated with aging and frailty because of its impact on both quality of life and morbidity and mortality in older people. Fracture liaison services (FLS) have been proposed as tools to minimize this emergent problem.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted with 101 patients treated for hip fracture by the FLS of a regional hospital between October 2019 and June 2021 (20 months). Epidemiological, clinical, surgical, and management variables were collected during admission and up to 30 days after discharge.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 87.6 ± 6.1 years and 77.2% were female. Some degree of cognitive impairment was detected at admission in 71.3% of patients using the Pfeiffer questionnaire, and 13.9% were nursing home residents, and 76.24% could walk independently before the fracture. Fractures were more commonly pertrochanteric (45.5%). Patients were receiving antiosteoporotic therapy in 10.9% of cases. The median surgical delay from admission was 26 h (RIC 15-46 h), the median length of stay was 6 days (RIC 3-9 days) and in-hospital mortality was 10.9%, and 19.8% at 30 days, with a readmission rate of 5%.

DISCUSSION

Patients treated in our FLS at the beginning of its activity were similar to the general picture in our country in terms of age, sex, type of fracture, and proportion of patients treated surgically. A high mortality rate was observed, and low rates of pharmacological secondary prevention were followed at discharge. Clinical results of FLS implementation in regional hospitals should be assessed prospectively in order to decide their suitability.

Implementation and operationalization of Integrated People-Centred Health Services delivery strategies in integrated osteoporosis care (IOC) initiatives: a systematic review

Integrated Osteoporosis Care (IOC) has been emerging over the past decade. To support integrated care initiatives, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed the Integrated People Centred Health Services (IPCHS) framework, which consists of five interdependent strategies. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, World of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus) were searched for relevant studies published from January 1, 2010 to December 2022. Initiatives implementing collaborative practices and at least two IPCHS strategies were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project checklist. Seventy-six publications describing 69 implementations met the inclusion criteria; 90% of them were implemented at the hospital level, and over half focused on secondary fracture prevention. Three implementations captured all five IPCHS strategies, and half applied three. Substrategies targeting individuals as beneficiaries were frequently employed. Substrategies requiring fundamental shifts (e.g., systemic coordination and updating) were seldomly implemented. Substantive heterogeneity in substrategy operationalization was observed. Patient education, standardized care, team-based care, care coordinators, and health care provider training were commonly pursued. IOC interventions have focused mainly on secondary fracture prevention in a hospital setting and have been narrowly operationalized. Future implementation should: employ all five IPCHS strategies; better align programmes, providers, and regulatory frameworks, while adapting funding mechanisms; and operationalize broader and more innovative substrategies.Registration: This review has been registered at the international prospective register of systematic reviews PROSPERO (CRD42021250244).

Secondary fracture rates and risk factors 1 year after a proximal femoral fracture under FLS

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the secondary fracture rates and risk factors in patients with proximal femoral fractures using fracture liaison service (FLS) during the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this multi-center prospective cohort study, patients with proximal femoral fractures who were treated surgically at three hospitals from April 2020 to March 2021 were included. Follow-up examinations at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were conducted to investigate the clinical data and ascertain whether osteoporosis treatment could be continued.

RESULTS

A total of 316 patients with proximal femoral fractures were registered. During the follow-up period, 17 patients died and 67 patients could not visit the hospitals owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 172 patients who could be followed-up 12 months postoperatively were examined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry during hospitalization; underwent postoperative osteoporosis treatment, mainly with bisphosphonates (89.5%); and were administered medications continuously. Secondary fractures occurred within 1 year in 14 patients (8.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that patients who used sleeping pills and had a lower functional independence measure had an increased risk for developing secondary fractures.

CONCLUSION

During the COVID-19 pandemic, secondary fractures can be prevented if the patients can be followed and osteoporosis treatment can be continued. Conversely, despite adequate osteoporosis drug examination and treatment, a certain number of secondary fractures still occurred. The finding that postoperative osteoporosis therapy using routine medications and rehabilitation is associated with secondary fractures may support the importance of establishing clinical standards consisting of a multidisciplinary collaboration for FLS.

The interdisciplinary fracture liaison service improves health-related outcomes and survival of older adults after hip fracture surgical repair

Due to the high burden of fragility fractures, we developed an interdisciplinary FLS care pathway for early management and monitoring of older adults discharged from a high-volume trauma center after hip fracture repair. Interdisciplinary FLS effectively improves up to 1-year adherence to treatments for secondary prevention of fragility fractures, reduces health facility admission, and improves long-term survival.

PURPOSE

To compare adherence to secondary fragility fracture prevention, falls, healthcare facility admissions, and mortality between hip fracture older adults who entered the fracture liaison services pathway of care (FLS-CP) and those managed according to the usual traumatologist model of care (U-CP).

METHODS

Prospective observational study enrolling subjects aged ≥ 65 years discharged by high-volume trauma center after hip fracture repair from February 2016 to February 2017, who consecutively entered FLS-CP or U-CP according to their preference and goals.

RESULTS

Compared to U-CP, those in FLS-CP had higher initiation rate and up to 1-year adherence to secondary prevention of fragility fracture, including vitamin D and calcium (87.7% vs 36.9%; p &lt; 0.0001), specific anti-osteoporosis drugs (75.1% vs 8.0%; p &lt; 0.0001), and complete anti-fracture therapy (72.3% vs 5.7%; p &lt; 0.0001). Older adults belonging to FLS-CP showed a lower likelihood of healthcare facility admission (RR 0.597; 95% CI 0.398-0.895; p = 0.0125), with a longer re-hospitalization-free survival (176.4 vs 88.7 days; p = 0.0152) than those in U-CP. One-year incidence of falls and fractures was similar between groups, with a lower tendency of the subjects in the FLS-CP to be multiple fallers (19% vs 34.8%; OR 0.057; 95% CI 0.004-0.876; p = 0.0690). The FLS-CP group experienced a lower 1-year (87.2% vs 74.3%; p = 0.001) and 3-year mortality (67.9% vs 55.6%; p = 0.0245) and a lower adjusted 5-year mortality hazard ratio (50.2% vs 58%; HR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.60; 0.96).

CONCLUSION

The FLS-CP may improve initiation and adherence to secondary prevention of fragility fractures, reduces healthcare facility admission, and improves long-term survival.

A 2-year follow-up of a novel Fracture Liaison Service: can we reduce the mortality in elderly hip fracture patients? A prospective cohort study

Osteoporosis is an underdiagnosed disease that results in bone fragility and risk of fractures. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a secondary prevention model which identifies patients at risk for fragility fractures. The introduction of a FLS protocol showed an increase of anti-osteoporotic drug prescription and significant reduction of all-cause mortality.

INTRODUCTION

Hip fractures are the most severe osteoporotic fracture due to their associated disability and elevated risk of mortality. FLS programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the FLS model over survival and 2-year mortality rate following a hip fracture.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture during 3 consecutive years, before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (i.e., between January 2016 and December 2018). Patients' information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. Patients were followed for 2 years after the hip fracture. Mortality and re-fracture rates were compared between the two groups using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

A total of 1101 patients were included in this study (i.e., 357 before FLS implementation and 744 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (583 (78.4%) vs 44 (12.3%); p < 0.01). There was an increase of adherence to treatment after FLS implementation (227 (38.9%) vs 12 (3.3%); p = 0.03). A total of 222 (29.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 114 (31.9%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.44) died during the follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 49 (6.6%) patients after FLS implementation and in 26 (7.3%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.65). Patients who were treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all-cause 1-year and 2-year mortality compared with patients managed before the implementation of the FLS protocol (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.96; HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69-1.09, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with an increase of anti-osteoporotic treatment, higher adherence, and greater survival in elderly hip fracture patients. There was a significant reduction of all-cause mortality in the FLS patients treated with anti-osteoporotic. However, the application of the FLS did not affect the risk of suffering a second fragility fracture.

Post-fracture care programs for prevention of subsequent fragility fractures: a literature assessment of current trends

Post-fracture care (PFC) programs evaluate and manage patients with a minimal trauma or fragility fracture to prevent subsequent fractures. We conducted a literature review to understand current trends in PFC publications, evaluate key characteristics of PFC programs, and assess their clinical effectiveness, geographic variations, and cost-effectiveness. We performed a search for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2003 and December 2020 listed in PubMed or Google Scholar. We categorized identified articles into 4 non-mutually exclusive PFC subtopics based on keywords and abstract content: PFC Types, PFC Effectiveness/Success, PFC Geography, and PFC Economics. The literature search identified 784 eligible articles. Most articles fit into multiple PFC subtopics (PFC Types, 597; PFC Effectiveness/Success, 579; PFC Geography, 255; and PFC Economics, 98). The number of publications describing how PFC programs can improve osteoporosis treatment rates has markedly increased since 2003; however, publication gaps remain, including low numbers of publications from some countries with reported high rates of osteoporosis and/or hip fractures. Fracture liaison services and geriatric/orthogeriatric services were the most common models of PFC programs, and both were shown to be cost-effective. We identified a need to expand and refine PFC programs and to standardize patient identification and reporting on quality improvement measures. Although there is an increasing awareness of the importance of PFC programs, publication gaps remain in most countries. Improvements in established PFC programs and implementation of new PFC programs are still needed to enhance equitable patient care to prevent occurrence of subsequent fractures.

Profile and 3-month evolution of geriatric patients after a hip fracture followed-up at a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS)

INTRODUCTION

There are few studies on Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) that evaluate older patients after a hip fracture (HF) through comprehensive geriatric assessment. We aim to determine these patients' characteristics, outcomes, and prescribed treatments.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of a cohort of patients older than 65 years admitted with HFs to an orthogeriatric unit between February 25th (2013) and December 16th (2016). After hospitalization, those patients with a good baseline social, functional, and cognitive situation were referred to the FLS. A comprehensive geriatric assessment and treatment adjustment were conducted. A comparison between FLS patients and HF patients non-referred was made.

RESULTS

From 1887 patients admitted to the orthogeriatric unit, 469 (23%) were referred to the FLS. Of those, 335 were women (77.2%) and 337 (77.6%) lived in the community. The FLS patients had a better functional status (97.1% of the patients with independent gait versus 79.2%) than non-FLS patients (p<0.001). After 3 months in the FLS, 356 (82%) patients had independent gait and had improved their analytical values. Antiosteoporotic treatment was prescribed to 322 patients (74%), vitamin D supplements to 397 (91.5%), calcium to 321 (74%), and physical exercise to 421 (97%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients referred to an FLS were younger, with a better functional and cognitive situation. At hospital discharge, they frequently presented gait impairment and laboratory abnormalities (anemia, hypoproteinemia, vitamin D deficiency) that presented good recovery due to the patient's previous baseline. These patients benefit from comprehensive treatment (pharmacological and non-pharmacological).

Poor Attendance for bone densitometry in patients at high risk of subsequent fragility fractures

Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are considered the most effective model for the prevention of subsequent fractures however, the uptake of these services has shown to be suboptimal. 6,528 patients were identified and referred on for bone densitometry assessment over a 6 yr period, however, 21% of these patients did not attend, with a trend towards a higher re-fracture rate in those that did not attend compared to those that did. The presence of a fragility fracture increases the risk of further fractures. Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are considered the most effective model for the prevention of subsequent fractures, although the uptake amongst patients invited for bone densitometry assessment has shown to be suboptimal. The UK has one of the most comprehensive numbers of FLS, however the proportion and characteristics of patients identified through the FLS that do not respond to bone densitometry invitation, in the UK, remains unclear. We report the 6 yr. findings from the Nottingham FLS. The Nottingham Fracture Liaison Service (N-FLS) systematically identifies those adults aged 50 yr. and older with fragility fractures presenting to the fracture clinic and where appropriate, arranges referral for bone densitometry assessment. Routine clinical data is collected onto the N-FLS database. Patient characteristics, between January 2012 and December 2017, were examined of those referred for bone densitometry examination, comparing those that attended to those that did not attend (DNA). Deprivation scores for each patient were calculated using the English indices of deprivation 2015 (1-Most deprived; 5- Least deprived). Follow up data was available for those attending from 2016 onwards, which allowed an assessment of re-fracture. Over the 6 yr period, 6,528 patients as identified by the N-FLS were referred on for bone densitometry assessment. 1,386 patients (21%) did not attend (DNA) for bone densitometry assessment. The proportion was similar for each of the years. High prevalence of non-attendance was in females [1032 patients (74%)] and the most deprived individuals [398 patients (29%), which were significant when compared to those that did attend, p=0.042]. 826 patients were referred in 2016. Median follow-up time was 2.46 yr. (IQR 0.16-3.00 yr.). 52 (7%) patients, in this group, sustained a subsequent fracture (35 patients in the group that did not attend for bone density assessment and 17 in those that attend, p=0.092). Nottingham FLS have identified patients with fragility fractures that are at high-risk of further fractures. Despite a dedicated FLS, 21% of those invited for bone densitometry assessment, did not attend for their appointment, over the 6 yr. period, similar proportion each year. There was a significantly higher proportion of those identified as 'most deprived' not attending for a bone densitometry, compared to those who attended. Sub-analysis in those aged 75 yr. and over, showed a high non-attendance in this group. Further qualitative studies are necessary to explore this patient group in detail, who remain at high risk of re-fracture.

Multipronged Programmatic Strategy for Preventing Secondary Fracture and Facilitating Functional Recovery in Older Patients after Hip Fractures: Our Experience in Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital

Background and Objectives: The study assessed the effectiveness of a fracture liaison service (FLS) after 1 year of implementation in improving the outcomes of hip fracture surgery in older adult patients at Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital. Materials and Methods: The Wanfang hospital’s FLS program was implemented using a multipronged programmatic strategy. The aims were to encourage the screening and treatment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, to take a stratified care approach for patients with a high risk of poor postoperative outcomes, and to offer home visits for the assessment of environmental hazards of falling, and to improve the patient’s adherence to osteoporosis treatment. The clinical data of 117 and 110 patients before and after FLS commencement, respectively, were collected from a local hip fracture registry; the data were analyzed to determine the outcomes 1 year after hip fracture surgery in terms of refracture, mortality, and activities of daily living. Results: The implementation of our FLS significantly increased the osteoporosis treatment rate after hip fracture surgery from 22.8% to 72.3%, significantly decreased the 1-year refracture rate from 11.8% to 4.9%, non-significantly decreased 1-year mortality from 17.9% to 11.8%, and improved functional outcomes 1 year after hip fracture surgery. Conclusions: Implementation of our FLS using the multipronged programmatic strategy effectively improved the outcomes and care quality after hip fracture surgery in the older adult population, offering a successful example as a valuable reference for establishing FLS to improve the outcomes in vulnerable older adults.

Osteoporosis Is Undertreated After Low-energy Vertebral Compression Fractures

INTRODUCTION

Despite guidelines recommending postfracture bone health workup, multiple studies have shown that evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis has not been consistently implemented after fragility fractures. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate rates of osteoporosis evaluation and treatment in adult patients after low-energy thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients ≥60 years old presenting to a single academic trauma center with acute thoracolumbar VCFs after a ground-level fall from 2016 to 2020 . Rates of osteoporosis screening with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and initiation of pharmaceutical treatment were recorded at four time points: before the date of injury, during index hospitalization, at first primary care provider follow-up, and at final primary care provider follow-up. Rates of subsequent falls and secondary fragility fractures were recorded. One-year mortality and overall mortality were also calculated.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients with a mean age of 83 years presenting with thoracic and/or lumbar fractures after a ground-level fall were included. At a mean final follow-up of 502 days, only 10 patients (19.2%) received pharmacologic therapy for osteoporosis and only 6 (11.5%) underwent postinjury dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry evaluation. Twenty-five patients (48%) had at least one subsequent fall at a mean of 164 days from the initial date of injury. Eleven patients with subsequent falls sustained an additional fragility fracture because of the fall, including six operative injuries. One-year mortality among the 52 patients was 26.9%, and the overall mortality rate was 44.2% at the final follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Osteoporosis remains a major public health issue that markedly affects quality of life and healthcare costs. Our study demonstrates the additional need for improved osteoporosis workup and intervention among patients who have sustained VCFs. We hope that our study helps raise awareness for improved osteoporosis evaluation and treatment among spine surgeons and all medical professionals treating patients with fragility fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective Case Series, Level IV Evidence.

The impact of fracture liaison services on subsequent fractures and mortality: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that fracture liaison service (FLS) is associated with a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures and mortality although the latter was only found in studies comparing outcomes before and after the introduction of an FLS.

INTRODUCTION

To systematically review and evaluate the impact of fracture liaison services (FLSs) on subsequent fractures and mortality using meta-analysis.

METHODS

A literature search was performed within PubMed and Embase to identify original articles published between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2020, reporting the effect of FLSs on subsequent fractures and/or mortality. Only studies comparing FLS to no-FLS were included. A meta-analysis using random-effects models was conducted. The quality of studies was appraised after combining and modifying criteria of existing quality assessment tools.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 955 published studies, of which 16 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies compared outcomes before (pre-FLS) and after (post-FLS) FLS implementation, two studies compared outcomes between hospitals with and without FLS, and two other studies performed both comparisons. In total, 18 comparisons of FLS and no-FLS care were reported. Follow-up time varied from 6 months to 4 years. Sixteen comparisons reported on subsequent fractures and 12 on mortality. The quality assessment revealed methodological issues in several criteria. Excluding studies with very high selection bias, the meta-analysis of nine comparisons (in eight papers) revealed that the FLS care was associated with a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures (odds ratio: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52-0.93, P=0.01). In studies with a follow-up > 2 years, a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures was captured for FLS care (odds ratio: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.94, P=0.03), while in studies ≤ 2 years, there was no difference in the odds of subsequent fractures. No significant difference in the odds of mortality was observed (odds ratio: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.49-1.09, P=0.12) in the meta-analysis of eight comparisons (in seven papers). However, a significantly lower probability of mortality was identified in the six pre-post FLS comparisons (odds ratio: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44-0.95, P=0.03), but not in studies comparing hospitals with and without FLS. No difference was observed in mortality stratified by follow-up time.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that FLS care is associated with a significantly lower probability of subsequent fractures and mortality although the latter was only found in studies comparing outcomes before and after the introduction of an FLS. The quality assessment revealed that some important methodological issues were unmet in the currently available studies. Recommendations to guide researchers to design high-quality studies for evaluation of FLS outcomes in the future were provided.

Long-Term Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an incurable chronic condition, like heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension. A large gap currently exists in the primary prevention of fractures, and studies show that an estimated 80% to 90% of adults do not receive appropriate osteoporosis management even in the secondary prevention setting. Case finding strategies have been developed and effective pharmacological interventions are available. This publication addresses how best to use the pharmacological options available for postmenopausal osteoporosis to provide lifelong fracture protection in patients at high and very high risk of fracture. The benefit of osteoporosis therapies far outweighs the rare risks.

Adherence to Anti-Osteoporotic Treatment and Clinical Implications after Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review

The role of anti-osteoporotic treatment as part of the secondary prevention after hip fracture in terms of mortality and re-fracture risk has been studied, and the results are promising. Decreased treatment adherence and compliance is a problem that needs to be addressed by healthcare professionals. A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database with terms that included hip fracture, mortality, second fracture, and specific anti-osteoporotic treatment. We included 28 articles, 21 regarding mortality and 20 re-fracture rates in hip fracture patients. All studies showed lower mortality after hip fracture associated with anti-osteoporotic treatment, mostly bisphosphonate agents. The re-fracture risk is still debatable, since conflicting data were found. Although most of the studies showed notable effects on mortality and re-fracture rates associated with anti-osteoporotic treatment, we still need more data to validate the actual results.

Efficiency of coordinator-based osteoporosis intervention in fragility fracture patients: a prospective randomized trial

We examined the effectiveness of coordinators' interventions to prevent secondary fractures in patients with fragility fractures. These coordinator-based interventions improved bone density assessment implementation and treatment rates, and enhanced treatment persistence rates in the early stages following fractures.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine the efficiency of coordinator-based osteoporosis intervention in fragility fracture patients during a 2-year period.

METHODS

A prospective intervention randomized control study was conducted at seven medical facilities from January 2015 to March 2017. Postmenopausal women and men over 50 years old with fragility fractures were randomly divided into the coordinator intervention (LI; 70 patients) and without intervention (non-LI; 71 patients) groups. The osteoporosis treatment rate, osteoporosis treatment persistence rate, fall rate, fracture incidence rate, and bone density measurement rate 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after registration were compared between the two groups. Non-parametric tests were used to analyze data at each inspection period.

RESULTS

The osteoporosis treatment initiation rate was significantly higher in the LI group than in the non-LI group (85.7% vs. 71.8%; p = 0.04). The LI group had significantly higher bone density assessment implementation rates than the non-LI group at the time of registration (90.0% vs. 69.0%; p = 0.00) and 6 months after registration (50.0% vs. 29.6%; p = 0.01), but not 1 or 2 years after registration. In addition, no significant differences in fall or fracture incidence rates were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The coordinator-based interventions for fragility fractures improved bone density assessment implementation and treatment rates and enhanced treatment persistence rates in the early stages following bone fractures. The findings suggest that liaison intervention may help both fracture and osteoporosis physicians for the evaluation of osteoporosis and initiation and continuation of osteoporosis medication.

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Associated Risk Factors of the Elderly with Hip Fractures: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of NHANES 2005-2010

Objective

This cross-sectional study was aimed to update the assessment of prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of the elderly with hip fractures in a non-institutionalized American population.

Methods

This current study included a total of 31,034 participants from the existing National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005 to 2010, and 4,265 participants aged 65 years and older were ultimately identified. Their condition of hip fractures was determined by method of questionnaires according to the orthopedic surgeons' diagnosis, and related epidemiological and demographic data were further collected. The univariate analysis was used to screen the risk factors of hip fractures in the elderly, and the logistic regression model was established to conduct the multivariate analysis.

Results

Of the total 4,265 participants with clear information of hip fractures in elderly, 127 individuals with hip fractures were identified according to results of questionnaires, exhibiting a prevalence of 28.49 per 1,000 (95% confidence interval [CI]=21.38-35.60) for males and 31.03 per 1,000 (95% CI=23.72-38.35) for females. The mean age of the elderly with hip fractures was 77.12±5.88 years and tumble (48.0%) was the primary factor. In univariate analysis, age, race, smoking, drinking alcohol, and combined with osteoporosis were regarded as risk factors. Multivariate analysis showed that age (80 years and older), living alone, smoking, combined with diabetes and osteoporosis were the independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Our nationwide data indicate the prevalence of hip fractures in the elderly is generally on the rise, and the female occupies a higher proportion. Age (especially aged 80 years and older), race (mainly Non-Hispanic white), smoking, drinking alcohol, living alone, combined with diabetes and osteoporosis may be closely linked to the occurrence of hip fractures in the elderly, although these variables still need to be verified in further prospective investigations.

Mortality in older adults following a fragility fracture: real-world retrospective matched-cohort study in Ontario

BACKGROUND

Recent studies are lacking reports on mortality after non-hip fractures in adults aged > 65.

METHODS

This retrospective, matched-cohort study used de-identified health services data from the publicly funded healthcare system in Ontario, Canada, contained in the ICES Data Repository. Patients aged 66 years and older with an index fragility fracture occurring at any osteoporotic site between 2011 and 2015 were identified from acute hospital admissions, emergency and ambulatory care using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes and data were analyzed until 2017. Thus, follow-up ranged from 2 years to 6 years. Patients were excluded if they presented with an index fracture occurring at a non-osteoporotic fracture site, their index fracture was associated with a trauma code, or they experienced a previous fracture within 5 years prior to their index fracture. This fracture cohort was matched 1:1 to controls within a non-fracture cohort by date, sex, age, geography and comorbidities. All-cause mortality risk was assessed.

RESULTS

The survival probability for up to 6 years post-fracture was significantly reduced for the fracture cohort vs matched non-fracture controls (p < 0.0001; n = 101,773 per cohort), with the sharpest decline occurring within the first-year post-fracture. Crude relative risk of mortality (95% confidence interval) within 1-year post-fracture was 2.47 (2.38-2.56) in women and 3.22 (3.06-3.40) in men. In the fracture vs non-fracture cohort, the absolute mortality risk within one year after a fragility fracture occurring at any site was 12.5% vs 5.1% in women and 19.5% vs 6.0% in men. The absolute mortality risk within one year after a fragility fracture occurring at a non-hip vs hip site was 9.4% vs 21.5% in women and 14.4% vs 32.3% in men.

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world cohort aged > 65 years, a fragility fracture occurring at any site was associated with reduced survival for up to 6 years post-fracture. The greatest reduction in survival occurred within the first-year post-fracture, where mortality risk more than doubled and deaths were observed in 1 in 11 women and 1 in 7 men following a non-hip fracture and in 1 in 5 women and 1 in 3 men following a hip fracture.

Association of orthogeriatric care models with evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis found low-quality evidence that orthogeriatric care is positively associated with diagnosis of osteoporosis, prescription of calcium and vitamin D supplements and bisphosphonates in older hip fracture patients. Evidence on fall and fracture prevention was scarce and inconclusive. Orthogeriatrics may reduce the treatment gap following hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Hip fracture patients are at imminent risk of additional fractures and falls. Orthogeriatric care might reduce the osteoporosis treatment gap and improve outcomes in these patients. However, the optimal orthogeriatric care model (geriatric liaison service, co-management, or geriatrician-led care) remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To summarize the association of different orthogeriatric care models for older hip fracture patients, compared to usual orthopaedic care, with fall prevention measures, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and future falls and fractures.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers retrieved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled observational studies. Random effects meta-analysis was applied (PROSPERO ID: 165914).

RESULTS

One RCT and twelve controlled observational studies were included, encompassing 20,078 participants (68% women, median ages between 75 and 85 years). Orthogeriatric care was associated with higher odds of diagnosing osteoporosis (odds ratio [OR] 11.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.26-17.77), initiation of calcium and vitamin D supplements (OR 41.44; 95% CI 7.07-242.91) and discharge on anti-osteoporosis medication (OR 7.06; 95% CI 2.87-17.34). However, there was substantial heterogeneity in these findings. Evidence on fall prevention and subsequent fractures was scarce and inconclusive. Almost all studies were at high risk of bias. Evidence was insufficient to compare different care models directly against each other.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-quality evidence suggests that orthogeriatric care is associated with higher rates of diagnosing osteoporosis, initiation of calcium and vitamin D supplements and anti-osteoporosis medication. Whether orthogeriatric care prevents subsequent falls and fractures in older hip fracture patients remains unclear.