Implementation of a fracture liaison service. Experience with 177 patients

Abstract

Every year about 9 million fragility fractures (FF) occur worldwide and 80% of these are underdiagnosed or undertreated. Aiming to close the gap of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) were developed. To describe the implementation of the first FLS in Chile, its inclusion criteria, patient enrolment, treatment adherence and referrals during the first year. A FLS was implemented at a health care network composed by two hospitals. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) guidelines were applied with a nurse practitioner as the coordinator. From May 2020 to April 2021 all patients diagnosed with a FF in the emergency rooms were invited to participate. Patients with pathological fractures and active cancer were excluded. Demographical data, fracture location, previous fractures, treatment and adherence, and mortality were recorded. From 443 patients with a diagnosis of FF, 177 patients (40%) accepted to participate. Their mean age was 74 ± 13 years and 84% (149) were female. Forty eight percent (84) had a lower extremity FF. Hip fractures were the most common (67). Ninety-five patients reported previous FF and 11,2% (20) had received anti-osteoporotic treatment. At four months of follow-up, 62% (50) had received vitamin D and calcium supplementation and 20% (16) of those patients with an indication of anti-osteoporotic drugs, had received them. The implementation of the FLS was successful with a 40% enrolment of patients, receiving certification by the IOF.