Here are six things to know:
1. Patients typically take bisphosphonates to increase bone mineral density, as studies show that osteoporosis drugs decrease vertebrae fractures by over 50 percent and fractures elsewhere by 40 percent.
2. New findings show that three years of bisphosphonate use to treat osteoporosis causes atypical femur fractures. Little or no force or trauma is needed to cause such a fracture.
3. Researchers believe that atypical femur fracture treatment must begin with the cessation of bisphosphonate use and an increased supplementation of calcium and vitamin D. Incomplete and complete fractures are then both treated surgically with implanted titanium rods.
4. Lifetime osteoporosis-related fracture risks range between 40 percent and 50 percent in women and 13 percent and 22 percent in men, with fractures typically happening in the lower spine, wrist, femur, pelvis and upper arm.
5. The authors write, “While hip fractures only account for 15 percent of osteoporosis-related fractures, they are associated with poor patient outcomes and increased financial burden, accounting for over 70 percent of fragility fracture-associated healthcare costs.”
6. Geriatric hip fracture mortality rates range from 20 to 30 percent and haven’t changed over the past 30 years. The researchers recommend physicians balance thorough medical evaluations with the increased mortality and poorer outcomes associated with delayed hip fracture repair.
More orthopedic articles:
Orthopedic surgeon to know: Dr. Jack Jensen of Athletic Orthopedics & Knee Center
Falls Risk Score predicts patient readmission after total joint arthroplasty — 5 takeaways
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.