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Updated: May 30, 2026
04:19
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Treatment for older men with fractures
A J Shepherd1, A R Cass, L A Ray
1Department of Family Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-1123, USA. ajshephe@utmb.edu
Summary
Less than 10% of men receive osteoporosis treatment after a fracture, despite its availability. Older men, those with vertebral fractures, and those on certain medications or seeing a primary care physician were more likely to be treated.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteoporosis affects a significant number of men, increasing fracture risk.
- Bisphosphonates, a key osteoporosis treatment, were approved for men in 2000.
- Treatment rates in men post-fracture remain a critical public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of bisphosphonate therapy initiation within 12 months after a fracture in men aged 65 and older.
- To identify patient and physician-related factors associated with receiving bisphosphonate treatment post-fracture.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of health insurance claims for 17,683 men aged 65+ with incident fractures between 2000-2005.
- Follow-up for at least 6 months post-fracture to identify bisphosphonate treatment initiation.
- Comparison of patient characteristics, comorbidities, and provider factors between treated and untreated groups.
Main Results:
- Only 8% of men received bisphosphonate therapy within 12 months post-fracture.
- Treatment rates increased slightly from 7% (2001) to 9% (2005), but remained low for hip fractures (7%).
- Factors significantly associated with treatment included osteoporosis diagnosis, glucocorticoid/antidepressant use, bone density measurement, vertebral fractures, and primary physician care.
Conclusions:
- Bisphosphonate therapy is underutilized in men following low-impact fractures, with less than 10% receiving treatment.
- While seeing a primary physician increased treatment likelihood, less than 25% of men had such encounters post-fracture.
- Further interventions are needed to improve osteoporosis management in elderly men.
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