Citation: European Geriatric Medicine. 2012, 3, S131
Author: Cheema M.; Haque R.; Azad M.
Abstract: Text.- Background.- Nearly 650,000 over the age of 60 attend A&E due to fall each year and over 204,000 are admitted to hospital. Seventy-eight thousand hip fractures are admitted every year with 95% hip fractures secondary to falls. We performed a retrospective study on patients admitted with fragility fractures to ascertain appropriate addition of secondary prevention drugs for fragility fractures. Methods.- We performed a retrospective study on 50 patients in rehabilitation ward who had sustained fragility fractures. We checked for appropriate addition of secondary prevention drugs for fragility fractures according to NICE guidelines. Demographics and clinical data were analysed to assess for correct prescription of medications. We assessed discharge medication for secondary prevention drugs. The study was approved by the Local Research Ethics Committee. No conflicts of interests among authors. Results.- Out of 50 patients, 56% were males and 44% were females. The mean age (SD) was 82 (11). Fourteen percent had a history of previous fractures before admission with hip fracture (43%) being the most common. On admission, 70% had hip fractures, 10% had humeral and 6% had wrist fractures. Sixteen percent were on treatment for osteoporosis before admission. After admission, 80% of patients were started and discharged on secondary prevention medications. Ninety-five percent of patients were started on vitamin D derivatives, 68% bisphosphonates, 85% calcium salts and 5%strontium (bisphosphonate intolerable/contraindicated). However, 20% patients were discharged without secondary prevention treatment. Conclusion.- Eighty percent of patients with fragility fractures were commenced on secondary prevention drugs. Twenty percent were not discharged with secondary prevention. The prescribed drugs were in accordance with the NICE guidelines. Awareness regarding importance of prescribing to patient's accordance with NICE guidelines was performed with regional lectures.
