Fragility fractures are defined as those resulting from a low trauma event such as a fall from a standing height or less.  They are most commonly associated with osteoporosis.  They may occur at any site although the hip, spine, wrist, and proximal humerus are the most common.  A previous fracture is among the strongest risk factors for new fractures.  The best treatment for fragility fractures is prevention, especially prevention of a second fracture after one has already occurred.  This may require an evaluation for osteoporosis which could lead to treatment which can reduce the risk of future fractures.

Once someone has been identified as having had a fragility fracture, steps to insure proper evaluation and treatment are recommended.  Evaluation consists of first identifying risk factors for osteoporosis.  These include:

Not Modifiable Risk Factors: Advanced age, female sex, personal history of adult fracture, history of fracture in first degree relative, dementia, poor health/ frailty, and Caucasian or Asian race.

Possibly Modifiable Risk Factors: Low bone mineral density, oral glucocorticoids, recurrent falls, cigarettes, alcoholism, estrogen deficiency (menopause <45 yo), low body weight, sedentary lifestyle.

Next, a history and physical are performed.  Any loss of height from vertebral fractures are noted.  Lab studies, radiographs, and a DEXA test to measure bone mineral density may also be needed.

Once identified, patients at risk for osteoporotic fractures are approached with a four part strategy: General recommendations, treatment of osteoporosis using pharmacologic agents, prevention of falls, and/ or injury site protection.

General recommendations are primarily reductions in risk factors.  Regular weight bearing, smoking cessation, alcoholism treatment, and insuring adequate calcium (>1200 mg/day) and vitamin D (>800 IU/day) can all reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Pharmacologic intervention may include: Bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulation, calcitonin, and parathyroid hormone.

Fall prevention (or at least reducing the risk of falling) is accomplished with regular weight-bearing exercises, possible physical and occupational therapy, and minimizing the use of sedative medications.

Injury site protection refers to the use of hip protectors which have been shown to be effective in preventing hip fractures in institutional settings.

These measures can reduce the risk of an additional fragility fracture and spare someone from having to go through the pain and potential complications of such events, “all over again.” 

Bouxsein, M. L.; Kaufman, J.; Tosi, L.; Cummings, S.; Lane, J.; and Johnell, O.: Recommendations for optimal care of the fragility fracture patient to reduce the risk of future fracture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg, 12(6): 385-95, 2004.