Early osteoporosis diagnosis improves post-hip fracture outcome

Abstract

Abstract Background Hip fracture is associated with mortality and high rate of hospital re-admission after discharge. Osteoporosis screening and treatment have been shown to lower the risk of hip fractures. The aim of this study was to assess whether osteoporosis treatment also improves the post-hip fracture overall outcome. Methods All patients over the age of 65 that sustained a hip fracture at a tertiary University Hospital were approached to enroll in the study. The patients were informed of the context of the study, all queries were answered and an informed consent was signed by the patients in the presence of one of the investigators. The data were collected over an 8 month period from October 2017 to June 2018 and the cohort was followed up until February 2019. Recorded outcomes included mortality, re-admission and unscheduled hospital visit. Results The overall mortality rate of elderly patients after a hip fracture was 12.3% (n = 24) after a 6 month follow-up period. The overall event rate of elderly patients after a hip fracture was 29.7% (n = 58) after a 6 month follow-up period. Only 3% of patients were already on osteoporosis treatment. However, patients on treatment for osteoporosis had a favorable outcome with no deaths and significantly less overall events (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Early osteoporosis screening and treatment in the elderly can not only prevent falls and fractures, but also improve outcome in case a hip fracture does occur. Key messages Osteoporosis treatment improves outcome after a hip fracture. Despite relevant guidance, osteoporosis screening in the elderly remains suboptimal.