title: Fragility fracture programs: are they effective and what is the surgeon's role?
abstract: Fragility fractures are occurring at an ever-increasing rate, creating an enormous economic and societal impact. Outpatient-based fragility fracture programs have been developed to identify at-risk patients, initiate effective treatment of metabolic bone disease, and improve coordination between members of the patient's care team with the goal of reducing future fractures. Inpatient programs focus on effective, efficient management of patients presenting with acute fractures. Both have proven successful in reducing the impact of fragility fractures, but many challenges exist. The orthopedic surgeon, as part of an integrated team of providers, is integral in identifying at-risk patients, ensuring appropriate care of acute fractures, and initiating treatment protocols to reduce the risk of further injuries.
authors.affiliation: SFGH/UCSF Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 2550 23rd Street, Building 9, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.
authors.forename: Jay S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bender
authors.forename: Eric G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Meinberg
mesh_terms: D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D066231:Surgeons / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000078329:Workforce