Improving Secondary Fracture Prevention After Vertebroplasty: Implementation of a Fracture Liaison Service

The aim of our study was to evaluate a multidisciplinary fracture liaison service (FLS) to improve osteoporosis treatment and secondary fracture prevention for patients after vertebroplasty.

A retrospective chart review of consecutive vertebroplasty patients from January 2016 to January 2020. FLS began in December 2016 allowing for before-and-after comparison. Statistical analysis included patient demographics and procedure characteristics. Proportion of patients evaluated by the FLS clinic and treatment modification were evaluated. Opt-in versus opt-out referral strategies were compared. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scans or vitamin D levels within 3 months before or after vertebroplasty were assessed. Time to event analysis was used to evaluate secondary fracture occurrence.

There were 137 vertebroplasty patients, 39 before FLS and 98 after FLS, included. Only 15% of all patients were already being treated in a bone health clinic. Of those referred and evaluated by the FLS, 73.0% had their osteoporosis treatment modified. Patients evaluated by the FLS were more likely to have a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan or a vitamin D level drawn (P < .001 for both). The opt-out referral was more effective with a 75.0% referral rate (P = .71). Secondary fracture of any kind occurred in 23.4% of all patients. Time to event analysis demonstrated a trend toward a reduced risk of secondary spinal fractures in the fracture prevention group with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.39 (0.13-1.11, 95% confidence interval).

A multidisciplinary FLS can be implemented for patients after vertebroplasty to evaluate osteoporotic risk factors and optimize osteoporosis therapy, both of which are important factors in preventing secondary vertebral fractures.