Do patients receive recommended treatment of osteoporosis following hip fracture in primary care?
2006

Osteoporosis Treatment After Hip Fracture

Sample size: 174 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Robert J Petrella, Tim J Jones

Primary Institution: University of Western Ontario

Hypothesis

The study aimed to identify missed opportunities for osteoporosis treatment in patients after hip fractures.

Conclusion

Most patients who suffered a hip fracture were not on recommended osteoporosis therapy at admission or 12 months post-discharge.

Supporting Evidence

  • Only 7 patients had previous BMD assessments.
  • At six weeks, a significant decrease in calcium and vitamin D use was observed.
  • 71 patients remained on residronate at twelve months.

Takeaway

The study found that many people who broke their hip didn't get the medicine they needed to help their bones, even though doctors knew they should.

Methodology

A prospective study was conducted with patients admitted for hip fracture rehabilitation to evaluate the use of osteoporosis treatments over one year.

Potential Biases

Potential clinical inertia among physicians and misconceptions about ongoing treatment may have affected results.

Limitations

The study may not represent all patients with osteoporosis as it focused on those admitted for hip fractures.

Participant Demographics

Mean age of participants was 83 years, with 78% being female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-7-31

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication