Management of osteoporosis among home health and long-term care patients with a prior fracture

South Med J. 2009 Apr;102(4):397-404. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e31819bc1d3.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a growing health concern as the number of senior adults continues to increase worldwide. Falls and fractures are very common among frail older adults requiring home health and long-term care. Preventative strategies for reducing falls have been identified and many therapies (both prescription and nonprescription) with proven efficacy for reducing fracture risk are available. However, many practitioners overlook the fact that a fragility fracture is diagnostic for osteoporosis even without knowledge of bone mineral density testing. As a result, osteoporosis is infrequently diagnosed and treated in the elderly after a fracture. Based on existing literature, we have developed an algorithm for the assessment and treatment of osteoporosis among persons with known prior fracture(s) living in long-term care facilities or receiving home health care based on the data available in the literature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control
  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcium / therapeutic use
  • Fractures, Bone / prevention & control
  • Frail Elderly
  • Home Care Services
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care
  • Osteoporosis / diagnosis*
  • Osteoporosis / prevention & control*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium