Clinical characteristics of patients with fractures for fragility Características clínicas de los pacientes con fracturas por fragilidad

Abstract

Introduction: the prevalence of osteoporosis increases with aging, as well as, morbidity and mortality secondary to fragility fractures, impacting costs of healthcare. New strategies have enhanced fragility fractures detection and management. Objective: to describe the clinical features of patients with fragility fractures and their management at Hospital de San José, Bogotá, from February 2015 to July 2016, after establishing a fracture identification and prevention program. Methods: a cross sectional descriptive study. Clinical records of patients diagnosed with severe osteoporosis were reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: out of 621 patients with osteoporosis-related fractures, 184 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 71.5 years (SD: 11.6). Fractures affected the distal radius in 36%, vertebrae in 34%, proximal femur in 18% and other sites in 11%. Osteoporosis was diagnosed in 30% of patients of which 30% received complete treatment for osteoporosis prior to fracture and 57.6% after fracture. Conclusions: fragility fractures are usually associated with osteoporosis, although there is underdiagnosis and under-treatment. Prevention of a future fracture is reflected in the increasing number of patients who received appropriate treatment, demonstrating the need to create education programs.