Seagger Robin, Howell Jonathon, David Huw, Gregg-Smith Simon
Department of Orthopaedics, Royal United Hospital, Bath BA1 3NG, UK.
Injury. 2004 Oct;35(10):986-8. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2003.10.017.
Osteoporosis is a major problem world-wide. In the UK, it costs the NHS about pound 1.7 billion per annum. Admission to orthopaedic units for treatment and rehabilitation with fractured necks of femur makes up a large proportion of the cost. The evidence suggests simple, cost-effective treatments can reduce fractures and re-fractures attributable to osteoporosis by up to 50%, and easy to follow guidelines exist. Our study, of a typical large district general hospital suggests that ideally placed orthopaedic surgeons are however not taking the opportunity to start these treatments or offer advice about this common condition. Commencing these treatments could prevent more than 7000 fractures per year in the UK.
