Do the hospitalized patients with osteoporotic fractures require endocrinologists' help?

Aim: Osteoporotic fractures are a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with fragility fractures and impose huge economic burden on health care services. Orthopedic surgeons are often the only clinicians seen by the patients with osteoporotic fractures. The improvement in osteoporosis management is an urgent require;therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of consultation with an endocrinologist in osteoporosis management of patients with a fragility fracture. Methods: This survey was undertaken in three phases that focused on patients with osteoporotic fractures who were admitted to five tertiary care, level-I, trauma hospital. Patients were evaluated through a questionnaire which was designed to determine whether physicians manage underlying osteoporosis. Results: The number of patients who underwent a bone mineral density test increased from a rate of 3.6% to 91% after the intervention, as calcium and vitamin D supplementation from 18% to 92%, bisphosphonate prescription from 0.5% to 83%. Also, the overall medication usage increased from 9% to 87%. A small number of patients (3%) were followed up in contrast to a rate of 73% in the third phase. Conclusion: Orthopedic surgeons are not completely engaged in osteoporosis care for patients with a fragility fracture; therefore, a consultation with an endocrinologist is required to enable orhopedic surgeons to provide an effective osteoporosis care for their patients with an osteoporotic fracture. (J. Endocrinol. Invest. 35: 992-995, 2012) (C) 2012, Editrice Kurtis