Osteoporosis Screening in Fallers without Fracture
Author Information
Author(s): Bente Glintborg, Ulrik Hesse, Thomas Houe, Claus Munk Jensen, Jan Pødenphant, Bo Zerahn
Primary Institution: Herlev Hospital
Hypothesis
Is the Emergency Department a suitable entrance point for osteoporosis screening among fallers without concomitant fracture?
Conclusion
Osteodensitometry should be considered among fallers without fracture presenting in the ED, especially if the patient has a prior fracture or declined body height.
Supporting Evidence
- 21% of fallers had osteoporosis.
- 85% of those with osteoporosis reported a previous fracture or height reduction.
- The frequency of osteoporosis among fallers did not differ from those referred from general practice.
Takeaway
If older people fall but don't break any bones, they might still have weak bones. Checking their bone health in the emergency room can help find those who need treatment.
Methodology
Patients aged 50–80 years who fell without fracture were identified in an ED and underwent osteodensitometry and a questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may have occurred as the group referred from general practice was not tested with the full questionnaire.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and only includes 199 fallers, which may not capture the entire range of risk factors for osteoporosis.
Participant Demographics
Median age of 61 years, 63% women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = .34
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1 to 3.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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