Unmet need in osteoporosis.
OBJECTIVE
To audit the management of females presenting to Accident and Emergency department with a diagnosis of low impact Colles fracture.


METHODS
Telephone questionnaire of 50 patients who attended A & E in 1998 with diagnosis of Colles fracture


METHODS
Glasgow Royal Infirmary within North Glasgow catchment area.


METHODS
Women between 45-79 years of age who attended Accident and Emergency Department in 1998 with a diagnosis of low impact Colles fracture.


RESULTS
Mean age was 63 years (range 44-78): ninety percent were post menopausal and 40% of the total group were smokers. Twenty six percent had a positive family history of osteoporosis, 24% had undergone hysterectomy and 88% took no part in any load bearing exercise. Ten percent (n = 5) were on treatment (1 alendronate, 3 etidronate with calcium, 1 hormone replacement therapy)


CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of our study population have multiple risk factors for osteoporosis which are not being addressed. Raising awareness in orthopaedic surgeons, family doctors and patients is urgently required.
Kerr
H
H
Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow.
Capell
H
H
D000368:Aged; D003100:Colles' Fracture / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014600:Utilization Review