An audit of post fracture rehabilitation with special emphasis on osteoporosis assessment and treatment
Al-Allaf, A.W.; Pal, B.; Reid, N.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 16(4): 451-453
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-856X PMID: 9706426 Document Number: 487273
To study the outcome of osteoporosis assessment and rehabilitation in post-fracture patients. This was a retrospective survey of the records of patients who had been referred to us from orthopaedic departments for rehabilitation after a fracture. A significant number of patients had had previous fractures (n = 17) or risk factors for osteoporosis (n = 16). The mortality rate was 4%. A significant proportion of patients (9/44) who had been living in their homes required placement in residential or nursing homes and additional care after rehabilitation. Our audit showed that post-fracture patients received optimum care, as set out in the Royal College of Physicians guidelines, but could benefit additionally from assessment and treatment of osteoporosis as set out in the Department of Health (DOH) Guidelines.