Fragility fractures at Auckland City Hospital: we can do better

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Public Health

Background:

• Fragility fractures represent a significant health burden in individuals aged 50 years and older.
• These fractures are associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality rates.
• Current secondary prevention strategies for fragility fractures are often insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology of fragility fractures in patients over 50 years of age.
• To determine the rate of appropriate secondary prevention treatment in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study identified patients aged ≥ 50 years with fractures in Auckland between July 2011 and June 2012.
• Hospital and Accident Compensation Corporation records were reviewed for fracture type, history, and bisphosphonate use.
• A random sample of 55% of patient records were analyzed, with prescription data obtained from national records.

Main Results:

• 2729 patients aged ≥ 50 years experienced fragility fractures in the study period.
• Hospital admissions for these fractures resulted in a mean length of stay of 20 days.
• A significant majority (64%) of patients did not receive potent bisphosphonates for secondary prevention.

Conclusions:

• Fragility fractures are a common occurrence in individuals over 50, affecting approximately 1 in 18 people annually.
• The implementation of secondary prevention strategies for fragility fractures is suboptimal.
• There is an urgent need for enhanced resources, such as a Fracture Liaison Service, to improve secondary fracture prevention care.