Outcomes and secondary prevention strategies for male hip fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To assess clinical outcomes and determine whether osteoporosis assessment and secondary prevention strategies were performed for male veterans hospitalized for hip fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review for male veterans hospitalized for hip fracture from January 1993 through July 1999.


METHODS
The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Madison, WI.


RESULTS
Medical charts were available for 46 of 53 male patients admitted for hip fracture during the study period. Three subjects were excluded because hip fracture was associated with high-impact trauma. Mean age of the 43 study patients was 72 years (range 43-91 y), and mean length of hospitalization was 16 days (median 11 d, range 3-108 d). Thirty-two (82%) of 39 veterans whose disposition was documented were discharged to a nursing home. Eleven (26%) of 43 men died within 12 months after fracture. Twelve (28%) had fractured previously. Four (10%) subsequently had another fracture. Three of 9 patients with documented ambulation status were ambulatory at 1 year. Three patients received a bone mass measurement within a prespecified time interval of 6 months subsequent to fracture. No patient's records included a diagnosis of osteoporosis either before or within 6 months after fracture. One-third of the patients had documentation of calcium or multivitamin supplementation at discharge. One patient was receiving calcitonin at the time of fracture and continued to receive it afterward. No other patient was prescribed antiresorptive therapy by the time of hospital discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
Male veterans with hip fractures received inadequate evaluation and treatment for osteoporosis, although a substantial portion had documentation of recurrent fractures. Education of clinicians and creation of algorithms for management of established osteoporosis may improve outcomes for these individuals.
Riley
Rebecca L
RL
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. meelliott@pharmacy.wisc.edu
Carnes
Molly L
ML
Gudmundsson
Adalsteinn
A
Elliott
Mary E
ME
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D015519:Bone Density; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis