AB1035 Management of osteoporosis-related fractures by orthopaedic surgeons: A nation-wide survey

Abstract

Background Even efficient drugs are now largely available to treat osteoporosis, there is a Lack of treatment by orthopaedists after a low impact fracture in patients with osteoporosis. In a previous fracture incidence study we found that only 3/198 patients with fractures were prescribed a treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons are frequently the only physicians to manage those patients. Very few patients are referred to a rheumatologist or a General practitioner or treated for osteoporosis. Why is this opportunity missed? Objectives To evaluate the orthopaedic surgeons' practices regarding the management of osteoporosis revealed by low impact fractures. Methods This is a nationwide study in which 238 orthopaedic surgeons were included. They were interviewed by a unique Interviewer using a standard questionnaire (29 questions). This latter was about 03 main topics: Knowledge, Awareness and Management. Results Knowledge about osteoporosis was GOOD in 15% because they Knew either the definition or main Epidemiological data or Clinical aspect or how to diagnose osteoporosis or how to treat osteoporosis. It was MILD in 22% who knew only 3 of the above topics It was INSUFFICIENT in 63% who knew none or only one. Awareness about osteoporosis was GOOD in 12% who Knew the burden or the seriousness or consequences of the fractures. It was MILD in 23% who knew only 1 of the above topics And INSUFFICIENT in 65% who knew none. Management regarding to osteoporosis was GOOD in 8% who do Treat with an efficient drug or refer to a BMD testing or refer to a rheumatologist. It was ABSENT in 92%. Global Evaluation: Only 8% can actually manage efficiently osteoporotic fractures (regarding osteoporosis) Conclusions the management of osteoporosis by the orthopaedic surgeons is not sufficient. The probable reasons of that fact are: No course about osteoporosis-related fractures is provided to the orthopaedists during their 4 years of training. No documents are provided to them from the societies acting in the field of osteoporosis. Very few scientific works or conferences are presented in orthopaedic surgery congresses. “Warning” campaigns should be provided to Orthopaedic surgeons.