Are osteoporotic fractures being adequately investigated?: A questionnaire of GP & orthopaedic surgeons

• Main Authors: Connor Louise, Freudmann Mathew, Jeys Lee, Chami George, Siddiqi Mashood
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2006-02-01
• Series: BMC Family Practice
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/7/7

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To investigate the current practice of Orthopaedic Surgeons & General Practitioners (GP) when presented with patients who have a fracture, with possible underlying Osteoporosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Questionnaires were sent to 140 GPs and 140 Orthopaedic Surgeons. The participants were asked their routine clinical practice with regard to investigation of underlying osteoporosis in 3 clinical scenarios.</p> <p>55 year old lady with a low trauma Colles fracture</p> <p>60 year old lady with a vertebral wedge fracture</p> <p>70 year old lady with a low trauma neck of femur fracture.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most doctors agreed that patients over 50 years old with low trauma fractures required investigation for osteoporosis, however, most surgeons (56%, n = 66) would discharge patients with low trauma Colles fracture without requesting or initiating investigation for osteoporosis. Most GPs (67%, n = 76) would not investigate a similar patient for osteoporosis, unless prompted by the Orthopaedic Surgeon or patient.</p> <p>More surgeons (71%, n= 83) and GPs (64%, n = 72) would initiate investigations for osteoporosis in a vertebral wedge fracture, but few surgeons (35%, n = 23) would investigate a neck of femur fracture patient after orthopaedic treatment.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Most doctors know that fragility fractures in patients over 50 years old require investigation for Osteoporosis; however, a large population of patients with osteoporotic fractures are not being given the advantages of secondary prevention.</p>