When continuity of care breaks down: a systems failure in identification of osteoporosis risk in older patients treated for minimal trauma fractures

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Minimal trauma fractures may be the first indication of osteoporosis. Our aim was to determine the proportion of patients who underwent bone density testing for osteoporosis of those with a minimal trauma wrist fracture treated in the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: This observational retrospective cohort study used explicit medical record review and scripted telephone interviews. SETTING: EDs of three metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne in 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 50 years and over who were treated for wrist fracture due to minimal trauma. Data collected included demographic details, fracture details, causes of injury, any bone density testing and any osteoporosis-rel..