The identification of osteoporosis in patients presenting with low-impact fracture: a pilot study of a method for identification of these patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the use of a portable ultrasound unit in screening for osteoporosis in older patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with low-impact fractures.


METHODS
All patients over 65 years with a possible low-impact fracture were to be identified and screened. Full ethical approval was obtained. An initial pilot study of "non-osteoporotic" ED staff was carried out before the full study was to occur.


RESULTS
The pilot study showed portable ultrasound measuring proximal phalanx bone mineral density lacked both precision and accuracy.


CONCLUSIONS
The aims of the study were worthwhile. However, the initial pilot study showed that the tools were inadequate for a full study. The full study was abandoned and new ways of identifying these patients are being looked at.
Rees
Jacqueline E
JE
Department of Plastic Surgery, Frenchay Hospital, Frenchay Park RD, Frenchay, Bristol, B516 1LE UK. Jakrees@doctors.org.uk
Mann
Cliff
C
D000328:Adult; D015982:Bias; D015519:Bone Density; D002138:Calibration; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems / Q000592:standards; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology