Taking proactive steps, including using certain tests and medications, can help reduce hip fracture rates among those at risk by as much as 50%, according to a new online study.
The study was the largest of its kind, according to Kaiser Permanente. It tracked more than 625,000 male and female patients over the age of 50 in Southern California who had specific risk factors for osteoporosis and/or hip fractures. Results were published online this week by The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery,
Implementation of numerous initiatives in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Healthy Bones Program reduced the hip fracture rates by an average of 37.2%, according to Kaiser. Physicians in the study put into place a number of initiatives, including using bone density tests and anti-osteoporosis medications; adding osteoporosis education and home health programs; and standardizing the practice guidelines for osteoporosis management.
For more on the article, visit http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/Supplement_4/188.
