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Injuries can have a devastating impact on older adults’ ability to live independently
Older people with fractures need better treatment for osteoporosis to prevent recurrence and should also have better access to strength and balance programs, a new report warns.
The Fracture Liaison Service Database Annual Report shows that only 69% of adult injury hospitals have a fracture liaison service.
The report, overseen by the Royal College of Surgeons, found there are major gaps in fracture prevention measures.
A fragility fracture is defined as a fracture caused by a minor trip or bump.
They can have a devastating impact on a patient’s ability to live independently, which is why secondary fracture prevention is so important.
A fracture liaison service (FLS) is an internationally recognized model of care for the secondary prevention of fractures.
Patients with fragility fractures should be evaluated, tested for osteoporosis, and treated with treatment plans as appropriate to help prevent further recurrence, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to long-term cost savings. term for health services.
This is particularly important due to our aging population and the highest predicted incidence of new fragility fractures in the EU over the next ten years.
Nine hospitals submitted data for inclusion in the database with 3,195 non-fragility hip fractures, only 33% of the actual expected number. The report shows that spinal fractures should be prioritized for case finding because these patients are at the greatest risk of further fractures.
Data from 2022 showed that only 26% of the expected number of vertebral fractures were identified nationally and more follow-up is needed, with only 35% of patients receiving anti-osteoporosis treatment – down from 53 % in 2021.
Only 11% of patients were referred for strength and balance training and only 5% started within 16 weeks of their fracture.
Aaron Glynn, Joint Clinical Lead of the Fracture Liaison Service Database, said: “It is abundantly clear that real progress cannot be made until we have a national liaison service on fractures fully funded and resourced.
“The social and economic burden imposed by fragility fractures requires us to move away from therapeutic nihilism and towards a proven model for reducing their occurrence. »
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