Recurrent hip fracture prevention with osteoporosis management

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat, and hip fracture is a serious consequence of osteoporosis. Apatient with an osteoporosis-related hip fracture has an increased risk for a second hip fracture. The effect of osteoporosis management on the risk of recurrent hip fracture was evaluated in this study. 58 hip fracture patients older than 50yr and BMD < 2.5 were discharged from hospital with Ca-Vitamin D- Alendronate prescriptions, and followedup for 4 years to determine the rate of recurrent hip fractures. Rate of second hip fractures was compared with 58 hip fractures in the control group (without osteoporosis treatment) which were also followed for 4 years. 72% of patients continued treatment for 2 years. There were no second hip fractures in the critical first 12 months in the treated group. Overall secondhip fractures in osteoporosis treated and control groups were 3.4% and 8.6%(p<0.03), respectively. Management of hip fractures in the elderly should include bonemineral density determination and osteoporosis treatment to prevent further fractures.