Secondary fracture prevention: global approaches

Abstract

Osteoporotic fractures, a major cause of disability and associated medical care expenditures, are expected to continue to increase worldwide. Adults who sustain primary osteoporotic fractures are more likely to sustain additional subsequent fractures, but few receive interventions to prevent those secondary fractures. Fracture liaison service models have been developed to systematically streamline preventative care for patients who have sustained a primary fragility fracture, proving cost-effective and efficacious. These programs have been developed in many countries, with varying degrees of success. There continues to be a need to better understand the various approaches to fracture liaison service programs in different regions enabling best practices to be adopted, successful approaches to be shared, and common obstacles to be addressed. The reports in this supplement address the status of fracture liaison service programs in different countries, focusing on national standards and guidelines, successes and barriers, and future directions. This work represents a collaborative effort of member societies of the International Orthopaedic Trauma Association (IOTA), an international association of orthopaedic societies dedicated to the promotion of musculoskeletal trauma care through advancements in patient care, research, and education. The expectation is that the information in these reports will aid efforts to address the growing need for fragility fracture programs.