title: Osteoporosis among Fallers without Concomitant Fracture Identified in an Emergency Department: Frequencies and Risk Factors.
abstract: We aimed to determine whether the Emergency Department (ED) is a suitable entrance point for osteoporosis screening among fallers without concomitant fracture compared to referral from general practice. Furthermore, to identify factors associated with osteoporosis among fallers. Methods. Patients aged 50-80 years sustaining a low-energy fall without fracture were identified from an ED (n = 199). Patients answered a questionnaire on risk factors and underwent osteodensitometry. Data was compared to a group of patients routinely referred to osteodensitometry from general practice (n = 201). Results. Among the 199 included fallers, 41 (21%) had osteoporosis. Among these, 35 (85%) reported either previous fracture or reduced body height (>3 cm). These two risk factors were more frequent among fallers with osteoporosis compared to fallers with normal bone mineral density or osteopenia (previous fracture P = .044, height reduction P = .0016). The osteoporosis frequency among fallers from ED did not differ from a similarly aged patient-group referred from general practice (P = .34). Conclusion. Osteodensitometry should be considered among fallers without fracture presenting in the ED, especially if the patient has a prior fracture or declined body height. Since fallers generally have higher fracture risk, the ED might serve as an additional entrance to osteodensitometry compared to referral from primary care.
authors: Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Herlev Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730 Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Bente
authors: B
authors: Glintborg
authors: Ulrik
authors: U
authors: Hesse
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Houe
authors: Jensen
authors: J
authors: Claus Munk
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Pødenphant
authors: Bo
authors: B
authors: Zerahn