Fragility Fractures Provide Opportunity for Education
By: Staff Writer
Thursday, July 01 2010
According to Yvonne Murtha, M.D., orthopedic trauma surgeon with Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, treating a fracture is just the beginning. Equally important is prevention of subsequent fragility fracture patients through education.
The care of geriatric patients is generally multidisciplinary, says Dr. Murtha, who has a special interest in geriatric trauma. This provides a great opportunity for the physicians involved in a patient’s care to use a primary fragility fracture as a teachable moment with the patients and family. Many patients are unaware of the common hazards that can precipitate low energy traumas, such as throw rugs, poor lighting and even family pets. Physicians have the opportunity to make sure that patients understand important preventative techniques and initiate appropriate screening for osteoporosis and treatment.
“After certain fractures, our first goal is to expedite intake and treatment. With hip fractures, for example, studies demonstrate that the expedited treatment decreases morbidity and mortality,” explains Dr. Murtha. “The second goal is to use the fracture as a teachable moment to prevent subsequent injury.”
It is known that patients with fragility fractures are at an increased risk of sustaining future fractures. Preventing a second fracture is critical in maintaining function and improving the long-term health of the patient. This makes it all the more important for physicians to take a team approach in prevention.
Fragility fractures are often not considered a major threat to health by patients and patient families prior to injury. They are often unaware that they cannot only lead to functional disabilities and diminished quality of life, but can contribute to increased mortality, specifically in patients who sustain hip fractures. “This makes it all the more important we screen for osteoporosis and educate patients,” asserts Dr. Murtha.
Dr. Murtha and Advanced Orthopaedic Associates welcome your questions and the opportunity to serve you. For more information call (316) 631-1600 or visit http://www.aoaortho.com.
MD News July 2010
