Osteoporosis from the perspective of specialized trauma and orthopaedic treatment of low-energy fractures of the proximal femur

Abstract

Introduction The low detection rate of osteoporosis and the lack of treatment in the elderly can contribute to a higher rate of low-energy fractures, poor results of surgical treatment and mortality. The purpose of the work was to evaluate the frequency of detection and treatment of osteoporosis before the fracture and during specialized trauma and orthopaedic care provided for a low-energy fracture of the proximal femur in the elderly. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of 209 medical histories of individuals aged 60 years and older who received treatment for a low-energy fracture of the proximal femur in 2 randomly selected trauma departments and a telephone survey of the patients performed at 3-8 months were produced. Availability of the diagnosed osteoporosis and the treatment before and during fracture repair were identified. Results The diagnosed osteoporosis was established in 5.2 % prior to fracture occurrence and in 16.7 % after the fracture occurrence. In both cases, the condition was treated with colcalciferol, calcium and pathogenetic therapy used in some cases. Discussion Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in the elderly remained low before a lowenergy fracture of the proximal femur and during trauma and orthopaedic treatment. Conclusion The initiation and treatment of osteoporosis during the trauma and orthopaedic management of a low-energy fracture should be considered as a component of the high-quality specialized care.