Current care gap

• On the face of it, a wide range of tools and measures are in place to facilitate the effective management of osteoporosis and the secondary prevention of fractures
• At present, the reality is very different. Recent audits reveal a patchy, uneven pattern of care provision and poor co-ordination
• The care of patients presenting to hospital with osteoporotic fractures has been likened to a ‘Bermuda Triangle’ comprising orthopaedic surgeons, primary care physicians and osteoporosis experts, into which the fracture patient disappears without trace
• A survey of UK orthopaedic surgeons and GPs revealed a disconnect between primary and secondary care for fragility fracture patients. The majority of orthopaedic surgeons would discharge a patient with a fragility fracture without initiating investigation; the majority of GPs would only trigger an assessment if prompted to do so by the orthopaedic surgeon. Thus, ‘usual care’ creates a ‘Catch 22’ situation where neither side routinely initiates assessment. The lack of clear clinical responsibility underpinning this scenario could be eliminated by universal access to Fracture Liaison Services
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The Breaking Point Report provided a snapshot of the current situation for women with osteoporosis in the UK.

Breaking Point described the practical steps that must be taken by healthcare professionals, policy makers and commissioners, as well as the public to prevent avoidable suffering and cost of osteoporotic fractures.